How Can Calibration Improve Accuracy in Heat Experiments?

[Jack B.]

In this experiment, I have to burn varying fuels and determine the energy released from the temperature change of the water. Some heat loss occurs e.g. to the water container and surroundings. If I had a fuel and I know how much energy will be released, is there a way I could calibrate my experiment so that I can calculate the correct value for the other fuels?

 

[pixel01]

In this experiment, I have to burn varying fuels and determine the energy released from the temperature change of the water. Some heat loss occurs e.g. to the water container and surroundings. If I had a fuel and I know how much energy will be released, is there a way I could calibrate my experiment so that I can calculate the correct value for the other fuels?

Generally speaking, you can do that after calibrating the heat loss according to the amount of fuel burnt. But I think you should take into consideration of the type of the unknown fuel, say: state, viscosity, burning products etc.. . Overall, the more the new fuel similar to the calibrant, the better.