Class: BE210
Group: W3
Members: Joseph Smith, Michelle Lieberman, Laura Fung, Sabir Rassiwalla
Date: May 7, 1999

Full Text

Abstract:
The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether the Parr bomb can be used to obtain accurate heat of combustion values for animal oils as well as vegetable oils.  Prior to actual experimentation, the project was outlined in order to maximize time efficiency and minimize human error.  Standardization of the bomb and calorimeter using benzoic acid was completed each of the three lab days.  From a total of five benzoic acid trials, the energy equivalent of the bomb was 2390.75 ? 147.50 Cal/g.  The large 95 % confidence interval of 147.50 Cal/g is due to the benzoic acid trials being done on three different days.

 Three natural oils were chosen by the group to be analyzed that were produced by Sigma Chemical Company; one vegetable oil and two animal oils (Olive Oil, Lard Oil, and Fish Oil).  In the first lab session, four Olive Oil samples were combusted and calculated to have an average of 9481.06 ? 67.08 Cal/g.  The data for Olive Oil was both accurate and precise.  The accuracy was measured by a “t” test of significance in which the Te value was .998, which is indeed less than the t value of 3.18.  Precision was measured with a 95% confidence limit.  In the second lab session, Lard Oil was combusted and found to have an average of 9416.88 ? 86.20 Cal/g.  From the test of significance, the Te of 1.28 was less than the t (using n-1 degrees of freedom) of 2.78.  Hence, the bomb gives accurate and precise measurements for Lard Oil.  The third and final lab session was used for Fish Oil.  The average of four Fish Oil trials was calculated to be 9070.17 ? 39.30 Cal/g.  Although the data for Fish Oil was precise, it was not accurate with our predicted value of 9156 Cal/g.  The Te value was 6.98 and the t value was 3.18.  This was caused by improper treatment of the Fish Oil as it was left in an open tray causing oxidation of the components and therefore affecting the heat of combustion.  In conclusion, the Parr bomb can be used to obtain accurate and precise heat of combustion values for animal oils as well as vegetable oils.