How to Calculate Joules Released Per Gram of Food Burned
- 1). Put on eye protection. Measure 100g of water with the graduated cylinder and pour it into the test tube on the clamp. Place the thermometer in the water, and after waiting until the temperature reading has stopped changing, write down the initial temperature of the water.
- 2). Determine the mass, in grams, of the first food sample with the scale. Write down this number.
- 3). Hold the food sample under the test tube with the tongs and light it on fire with the lighter. Continue to hold the food sample there until it has burned out completely.
- 4). Write down the final temperature of the water, as shown by the thermometer, after the temperature reading has stopped changing.
- 5). Plug in all numbers into the equation and calculate the answer. This is the amount of joules released from burning that particular sample of food. If you wish, continue with other food samples, repeating the same procedure.
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