Gummy Bears vs. Cheetos vs. Peanuts

Who Has the Most Energy?

Introduction to Calorimetry

All human processes, such as growth and reproduction, require energy. Humans eat a variety of food items to obtain this energy. But, how much energy is released when food is broken down in our body? And, do some foods contain more energy than others? In this investigation, students will explore these concepts using three food items: gummy bears, peanuts, and hot Cheetos.

Experiment Overview

The purpose of this experiment is to determine the amount of heat energy released when different snack foods burn and identify patterns in energy transformation.

Hypothesis:What item do you think will give off the most heat when burned?

______

Materials

Digital Centigram Balance, centigram MatchesTap Water

Soda CanCheetos

PeanutsGummy Bears

125-mL Stirring rodCork food holder and pin

ThermometerGraduated cylinder

Safety Measures

Safety goggles must be worn at all times during this experiment. Do not touch burnt food until it is cool. Do not taste any of the food items in this lab. Keep working area free from unnecessary flammable items, such as backpacks and paper. Students with long hair must tie hair back.

Procedure

1. Put a gummy bear on the cork food holder and secure with the pin. Place the cork holder with the food on a balance and weigh the sample. Record the weight in the data table below. Then, place the cork food holder on a ring stand.

2. Obtain a clean, empty soda can from your teacher.

3. Add about 50 mL of tap water to the can.

4. Bend the top tab on the can up so it is sticking into the air vertically. Slide a stirring rod through the tab hole. Suspend the can on a ring stand using a metal ring. Adjust the height of the can so that it is about 3 cm above the cork food holder.

5. Place a thermometer into the can. Measure and record the initial temperature of the water. Place this data in the table below.

6. Light the food sample with a match and quickly center it under the soda can. Allow the water to be heated until the food sample stops burning.

Record the maximum (final) temperature of the water in the can.

7. Measure and record the final mass of the food holder and sample. Please make sure it is cool enough to handle.

8. Clean the bottom of the can and remove any food from the food holder. Repeat the procedure with the Cheetos and then the peanut.

Data

Food Sample Name / Initial Mass (Food Sample + Cork Holder), g / Final Mass (Food Sample + Cork Holder), g / Difference in Mass (Final – Initial), g / Initial Temperature of Water, C / Final Temperature of Water, C / Difference in Temperature of Water (Final – Initial), C
Gummy Bears
Cheetos
Peanuts

Analysis Questions: Answer the questions below using complete sentences.

1) Which food item caused the greatest difference in the temperature of the water?

2) Why does the temperature of the water rise?

3) If you wanted a slow release of energy, which food item should you eat? Why?