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Science Simulations, Technology Simulations, Engineering Simulations, Mathematics Simulations
Lesson 7: Specific Heat of a Candle
Candles are solid blocks of wax used to provide light and heat. How does the burning of the candle affect the temperature increase of the water?
Doing the science
- Start the Calorimetry Simulation by clicking on the "Sim" tab.
- Using the mouse, drag the candle from the shelf to the balance to measure its mass.
- Record the mass into the "Mass of Candle Before Ignition" in Table 1 below.
- Move the candle from the balance to the hot plate underneath the flask of water.
- Record the temperature of the water in "Temperature of Water Before Ignition."
- Click on "Ignite" to set the candle on fire.
- Clicking on "10X" will speed up the timer.
- Record the maximum temperature of the water in "Temperature of Water After Ignition".
- Reweigh the candle on the balance and record the data in "Mass of Candle After Ignition".
- Place the candle back onto the shelf.
- Click on "Show Data" to compare the data you collected.
- Click on "Hide Data" after analyzing your results.
- Calculate the difference in mass by subtracting the "Mass of Candle After Ignition" from "Mass of Candle Before Ignition" and record the number in "Difference in Mass".
- Calculate the difference in temperature by subtracting the "Temperature of Water After Ignition" from "Temperature of Water Before Ignition" and record the number in "Difference in Temperature".