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Evaluating Sources of Error

The data book value for methanol is -726 kJmol-1. The experimental value may be less exothermic than expected because in the simple apparatus not all of the heat released is transferred to the water. The reasons for less heat being transferred are:Some of the heat produced in the reaction is used to heat the beaker and the air surrounding the flames.
There may be incomplete combustion of methanol
Some of the methanol may evaporate
Conditions may be non-standard

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Specification: Edexcel Chemistry (8CH0), AS-level, Topic 8: Energetics I. Topic: Enthalpy.

Key terms in this lesson

incomplete combustion
Combustion in a limited supply of oxygen, producing carbon monoxide and/or carbon as well as water, and releasing less energy.

More in Enthalpy

All 21 lessons in Enthalpy · All Edexcel AS-level Chemistry topics