Kelly Goodman
Jan 20, 2016
Kelly Goodman
Questions
Do organic nuts contain more joules of energy than non-organic nuts?
Background information
Calorimeter is a device used to measure the heat absorbed or evolved during a physical change.
In order to find the joules of energy per gram, for each nut, I subtracted the initial mass from the final mass (M). Next, I subtracted the final temperature from the initial temperature which resulted as the change in temperature. Subsequently, I used the constant of 4.18J. Finally I multiplied the (change in mass) (change in temp.)(4.18) this resulted in the number of Joules per gram for each nut.
Calorimetric Formula Used
q=mc ΔT
q is energy released m is massc is specific heat (4.18J)ΔT is change in temperature
Hypothesis
If the energy released from nuts is measured, using a calorimeter, then organic nuts will release more joules of energy then non organic nuts.
Nuts Used
Almonds Organic Almonds Cashews Organic Cashews Walnuts Organic Walnuts
Materials Two tin cans Rod-shaped support Cork Needle or wire Pliers Graduated cylinder Water Temperature probe Safety goggles Lighter Balance
Calorimeter
Procedure
1. Construct a homemade calorimeter.
2. Weigh each of the foods and record the mass.
3. Fill the small can with 100 ml of water.
4. Measure the initial temperature of the water.
5. Place the food on the needle.
6. Put the needle on the cork.7. Light the food on fire.
Procedure continued
8. Allow the food to burn itself out.
9. Measure the final temperature.
10. After the burnt food has cooled, then weigh the remains.
11. Repeat these steps for each food.
12. Analyze the data. 13. Calculate the energy (in
Joules) for each type of food item tested.
Independent variable piece of food that is subject
to change after burning Dependant variable
change in temperature of water because of the energy produced
Constants amount of water in the can temperature of the water
prior to the experiment.
Variables
Average Number of Joules Per Gram for Almonds
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
Organic Almonds Nonorganic Almond
Avg
A v erag e N u m b er J o u les P er G ram fo r C as h ew s
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
Nonorganic C as hews O rganic C ahs ews
S eries 1
Average Number of Joules Per Gram for Walnuts
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
Walnuts Organic Walnuts
Series1
Conclusion
My hypothesis was rejected because I had more then 95 percent error when I plugged my data into the t-tests in excel.
This constructed calorimeter was not advanced enough for me to get accurate results from this experiment.
Conclusion continued
Even though organic nuts may taste better and are produced without conventional pesticides, the number of calories do not show a difference in the results between non organic and organic nuts.
Works Cited Campana, Mathew, et al. "Measuring Calories in Food." SEP Lessons. Science
Education Partnership U. of California, n.d. Web. 5 Dec. 2010. <http://www.seplessons.org/node/349>.
Coppens, Kenneth D. "How to Make a Homemade Calorimeter." EHow. N.p., 1 Apr. 2010. Web. 5 Dec. 2010. <http://www.ehow.com/ how_6167859_make-homemade-calorimeter.html>.
Massengale, C. "The Heat Is On - The Energy Stored in Food." Biology Junction. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Dec. 2010. <http://www.biologyjunction.com/ energy_in_food.htm>.
Olson, Andrew, Ph.D, and Science Buddies. "Burning Calories: How Much Energy Is Stored in Different Types of Food?" Science Buddies. 2007-05-09, 9 May 2007. Web. 5 Dec. 2010. <http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ science-fair-projects/project_ideas/FoodSci_p012.shtml>.
Smith, Robert “Is Organic Better for You?” WebMD 2011 Tues. 5 Feb. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/organic-food-
better?page=3