How to Analyze the Calorie Content of Sugar Versus Splenda Using Bomb Calorimetry

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Measure out a 1.0 gram sample.

   This sample is either comprised of benzoic acid, sucralose, or sucrose. , Be sure to record the mass of the sample before and after pressing as the mass WILL change in the pressing process.,,, If the fuse wires touch the metal sides of the sample dish, the circuit will be completed away from the sample, leading to no combustion reaction., Fasten tightly to prevent the water (in later steps) from entering the bomb.,,, This water acts as a thermal insulator in the experiment and adsorbs the heat output by the explosion., Be sure that it sits securely on it's pins., The sample may shift inside the sample dish within the bomb and no longer have good contact with the lead wires if this step is not done slowly and carefully.,,, Air bubbles coming from the bomb means that the container was not sealed properly.,, Make sure the motor is not hitting the sides of the bucket or the bomb as it runs because this will prevent the water's circulation within the setup.
   
   The water must circulate to evenly distribute heat.,,,,, This means that the data should reach a final temperature for about one minute.
   
   If no temperature change occurs within 3 minutes of ignition, there is something wrong with your setup.
   
   It must be taken apart and redone.,,,,
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   Step 2: Using a pellet press

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   Step 3: Press the sample into a pellet form for a solid

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   Step 4: easily transferable sample.

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   Step 5: Place each sample in the calorimeter as shown in Figure I.1

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   Step 6: Measure the fuse wires in calories and record the value in notes.

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   Step 7: Attach the fuse wires in such a way that they do not touch anything but the sample and none of the apparatus’s metal components.

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   Step 8: After assembling the bomb

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   Step 9: place the thread cap on the bomb.

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    Step 10: Pressurize the bomb with O₂ to about 2-3 atmospheres

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    Step 11: purging twice to ensure a high concentration of O₂ and leaving the final pressure at 10 atmospheres.

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    Step 12: Measure exactly 2.00 L of deionized water in a volumetric flask.

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    Step 13: Place 1.00 L of the water in the bucket of the calorimeter.

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    Step 14: Lower the bucket into the outer jacket of the apparatus.

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    Step 15: Lower the bomb into the bucket carefully as to not disturb its contents.

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    Step 16: Attach the ignition leads to the bomb itself.

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    Step 17: Add the remaining water to the bucket.

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    Step 18: Before ignition

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    Step 19: perform a check for any disruptions in the set-up.

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    Step 20: Place the lid on the Calorimeter and seal it.

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    Step 21: Attach the rubber drive belt and start the motor.

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    Step 22: Attach external ignition components and allow the stirrer to run for a few minutes.

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    Step 23: Insert the GLX probe.

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    Step 24: Start the data recorder.

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    Step 25: Allow the data to run for a couple minutes to achieve a stable baseline.

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    Step 26: Start the ignition and record the data until a baseline is reached again after the temperature change.

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    Step 27: Stop the GLX and save the file to a thumb drive.

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    Step 28: Carefully disassemble the bomb.

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    Step 29: Measure the length of the unburned wire in calories.¹

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    Step 30: Repeat the above process at least two times

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    Step 31: preferably more

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    Step 32: for each material.

Detailed Guide

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