Name: Yechiel Fraser

Science Investigative Project

OBSERVATION
It was observed that large vehicles such as trucks and excavators use diesel engines compared to
personal and luxurious vehicles which use gasoline engines. Could this be because diesel releases
more energy upon combustion when compared to an equal mass of gasoline?

HYPOTHESIS
Diesel has higher heat of combustion than gasoline.

AIM
To determine whether diesel has a higher heat of combustion than gasoline

MATERIALS / APPARATUS
1 tripod stand
1 spirit lamp
1 thermometer
Wooden block
Measuring cylinder
Packet of match sticks
Distilled water
Gasoline
Diesel
Stop watch
Electronic balance
Stirrer
Calorimeter
DIAGRAM
METHOD
1. Take the empty spirit lamp and weigh it using an electronic mass balance. Record this mass
reading.
2. Add about 30-40 cm3 of the gasoline being tested into the spirit lamp.
3. Weigh the spirit lamp using an electronic mass balance. Record the mass reading as well.
4. Then, measure out 100 cm3 of distilled water using a measuring cylinder.
5. Add this water to the calorimeter.
6. Record the initial temperature of the water.
7. Insulate the calorimeter by rapping a fine layer of cotton wool around it.
8. Cover the calorimeter using a lid, after placing the stirrer and the thermometer inside the
beaker.
9. Take match stick and light the spirit lamp. Once the gasoline has started to burn, start the
stop watch.
10. Gently stir the water at all time, during heating.
11. Blow out the spirit lamp as soon as the temperature has risen to a total of 400C.
12. Stop the stopwatch at this instant as well.
13. Take the spirit lamp containing the gasoline and weigh it once again using the mass
balance. Record this reading.
14. Wash all the apparatus, and repeat these steps for the diesel which is to be tested.
PRECAUTIONS
Ensure the calorimeter is well insulated.
Ensure that the mass of water and fuel are accurately measured.

VARIABLES
Controlled
 Mass of water
 Temperature rise

Responding
 mass of fuel burnt

Manipulated
 Type of fuel

EXPECTED RESULTS
It will take less diesel to raise the temperature of the water to 400C.