UNIT 2. Practical Scientific Procedures and
Techniques
Learning Aim B: Undertake calorimetry to study cooling
curves.
Title of Assignment Keeping up the standards
Assessor Mr David Peacock
Issue date
Submission deadline To be decided
Introduction to learning aim B.
As a technical assistant, I will use methods of calorimetry to conduct procedures and
practicals. When undertaking this practical to study calorimetry, calibrated equipment will be
used and to show evidence of high levels of practical skills a report will be produced
including results each practical. a second evaluating report of improvements and techniques
will also be included, the written reports will show high levels are practical skills in
calorimetry and will also demonstrate practical skills to the chemical plant and highlights my
progress as a newly appointed technical assistant at the large chemical plant chemcalequip.
Practical for cooling curve with paraffin wax using a glass thermometer
Apparatus
● Boiling tube- to store the paraffin during heating and cooling
● Beaker 250cm2
● Kettal - to heat the water
● Thermometer- recording the temperature of cooling off paraffin
● Timer- to time the practical
● Paraffin wax
Method
● A suitable quantity of paraffin wax was obtained and placed into a boiling tube
● the boiling tube was placed into a beaker of freshly boiled water
● A thermometer was placed into the boiling tube in preparation to record the
temperature changes of the paraffin wax
● As the paraffin wax began to warm up it began to melt
● Once the paraffin wax was carefully looked at and the liquid had fully melted and
there were no solid particles the highest temperature of the wax was now recorded.
● the boiling tube was removed from the beaker of hot water and allowed to cool the
temperature was recorded over a period of time at the set intervals as the wax cooled
and became solid.
● A graph was produced to record the results and then the results were analysed.
, Practical for cooling curve with paraffin wax using a digital thermometer
Apparatus
● Boiling tube- to store the paraffin during heating and cooling
● Beaker 250cm2
● Kettal - to heat the water
● Digital thermometer - recording the temperature of cooling off paraffin
● Data Logger
● Timer- to time the practical
● Paraffin wax
Calibration of the Digital Thermometer
Recorded temperature of iced water = _______oC
Recorded temperature of boiling water = _______oC
Calibration adjustment = _______oC
Method
● A suitable quantity of paraffin wax was obtained and placed into a boiling tube
● the boiling tube was placed into a beaker of freshly boiled water
● A digital thermometer attached to a data logger was placed into the boiling tube in
preparation to record the temperature changes of the paraffin wax
● As the paraffin wax began to warm up it began to melt
● Once the paraffin wax was carefully looked at and the liquid had fully melted and
there were no solid particles the highest temperature of the wax was now recorded.
● the boiling tube was removed from the beaker of hot water and allowed to cool the
temperature was recorded over a period of time at the set intervals as the wax cooled
and became solid.
● A graph was produced to record the results and then the results were analysed.
Risk assessment of paraffin wax practicals
Hazard Risk Control measures Emergency action
Boiling water burns Avoid spilling liquid Keep burn under
on skin running warm water
for 15 minutes
If the burn serve to
wrap the burn in
plastic wrap and
seek medical
attention
Broken glass Cuts and injuries Clean up broken Cover cuts with
glass plaster
If the cut is deep
seak medical
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