1. Energy Content of Foods
By Science Student

2. 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)

4. 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

5. Culver’s
McDonald’s
Hardee’s

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

7. Results

8. 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.