Calculate Heat Value: Chemistry Problem Solved

  • Thread starter chemical
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Heat Value
In summary, a burner containing 16.95g of liquid fuel was used to heat 200g of water in a beaker from 25 degrees to 44 degrees. Assuming that half of the heat produced was lost to its surroundings, the heat value of the fuel is 1.88KJ/g. This calculation was based on the assumption that the units are in kg/g. However, if the units are in KJ/g, the total heat put into the water would be 31.844KJ and the heat value of the fuel would be 1.8787KJ/g.
  • #1
chemical
14
0
ok...a burner containing 16.95g liquid fuel is used to heat 200g water in a beaker from 25 degrees to 44 degrees. assuming that half the heat produced is lost to its surroundings, calculate the heat value of the fuel in kg to the negative gram...

some chemistry problem but i can't find anywhere to do it
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


Originally posted by chemical
ok...a burner containing 16.95g liquid fuel is used to heat 200g water in a beaker from 25 degrees to 44 degrees. assuming that half the heat produced is lost to its surroundings, calculate the heat value of the fuel in kg to the negative gram...

some chemistry problem but i can't find anywhere to do it

LOL that is so damn easy simply because it is worded badly.
Look at what it is asking for "calculate the heat value of the fuel in kg to the negative gram".
It is telling me that my units are to be kg/g. Since there is always 1kg/1000g, my answer is simply 1kg/1000g


However, the question might actually want KJ/g so let's try that.
First, calculate the energy that the water gained.
Second, double that energy because only half of the total energy was put into the water.
Third, divide the total energy by the mass of the fuel in grams.

Scroll way down to compare your work with mine.



The total heat put into the water
E = mcT
E = (0.2Kg)(4.19KJ/Kg)(44-25)
E = 15.922kJ in the water

It says that only half of the heat produced was used in the water. That means
E = (2)(15.922)
E = 31.844KJ total

To get KJ/g, just divide those out.
31.844KJ/16.95g = 1.8787KJ/g
= 1.88KJ/g
 
  • #3


To solve this problem, we can use the formula Q = m x c x ΔT, where Q is the heat energy, m is the mass of the substance, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature.

First, we need to calculate the heat energy absorbed by the water. We know that the water's mass is 200g and the change in temperature is 44 degrees - 25 degrees = 19 degrees. Let's assume that the specific heat capacity of water is 4.18 J/g°C.

Q = (200g) x (4.18 J/g°C) x (19°C)
Q = 15,884 J

Since we know that half of the heat produced is lost to the surroundings, we need to divide the calculated heat energy by 0.5 to get the total heat energy produced by the burner.

Total heat energy produced = (15,884 J) / (0.5)
Total heat energy produced = 31,768 J

Next, we need to convert the mass of the fuel from grams to kilograms. 16.95g = 0.01695 kg

Now, we can use the formula for heat value, which is heat energy produced per unit mass of fuel.

Heat value = (Total heat energy produced) / (Mass of fuel)
Heat value = (31,768 J) / (0.01695 kg)
Heat value = 1,873,950 J/kg

Finally, we need to convert the heat value to the desired units of kg to the negative gram. To do this, we need to divide the value by 1000 (to convert from J to kJ) and then multiply by -1 (to get the negative exponent).

Heat value = (1,873,950 J/kg) / (1000 J/kJ) x (-1)
Heat value = -1.87395 kg^-1 g

Therefore, the heat value of the fuel is -1.87395 kg^-1 g.
 

1. What is heat value?

Heat value, also known as calorific value, is a measure of the amount of energy released during the combustion of a substance. It is typically expressed in units of energy per unit mass, such as joules per gram or calories per gram.

2. How is heat value calculated?

To calculate heat value, the energy released during combustion is divided by the mass of the substance. This can be calculated using the formula: Heat value = Energy released / Mass of substance. The energy released can be measured using calorimetry, while the mass of the substance can be determined using a balance.

3. What is the difference between gross and net heat value?

Gross heat value is the total amount of energy released during combustion, including the energy required to vaporize any water present in the fuel. Net heat value, on the other hand, is the energy released only from the combustion of the fuel itself, excluding the energy required for vaporization. Net heat value is typically used for practical applications, while gross heat value is more commonly used for research purposes.

4. What factors can affect the heat value of a substance?

The heat value of a substance can be affected by various factors, such as the composition of the substance, the presence of impurities, and the efficiency of the combustion process. Moisture content, density, and ash content can also impact the heat value of a substance.

5. Why is calculating heat value important?

Calculating heat value is important for various reasons. It allows us to determine the energy potential of a substance, which is crucial for industries that rely on fuels for energy production. It also helps in the comparison of different fuels and in the optimization of combustion processes for efficiency and environmental impact.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
954
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
974
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Back
Top