Energy Content of Foods By Science Student

Cp = specific heat capacity ( 4.18 J/gC for water) H=▲t·m·Cp Where H = heat energy absorbed (in J), ▲t = change in temperature (C), m = mass (in g), Cp = specific heat capacity ( 4.18 J/gC for water) Dividing the resulting energy value by grams of food burned gives the energy content (in J/g)

Experimental Design Hypothesis: If the brand of food changes, the heat energy will also change. I.V. Brand of Food McDonald’s Fries Burgers Culver’s Fries Burgers Hardee’s Fries Burgers Levels Trials 5 5 5 D.V. Heat Energy (J/g) Constants: (1) mass of food sample (1gram) (2) amount of water heated (3) same can set up (4) distance of burning food from can

Culver’s McDonald’s Hardee’s

Procedures Arrange can set-up Set-up graphing calculator Start burning food Record data

Results

Findings It is obvious that all three fast food restaurants have a lot of heat energy in their food. Overall, the burgers gave off the most heat energy. I also found that Culver’s burgers have the most heat energy contained within it. I also discovered that Hardee’s fries have the most heat energy out of the fries.