Home Thermodynamics Laboratory

Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate the ability to research theory and develop a methodology appropriate to the problem;
2. Determine and apply appropriate uncertainty analysis methods;

• Demonstrate the ability to determine the thermal efficiency of a device;

Learning Objectives:

The purpose of this laboratory is to try to determine the thermal efficiency of a standard kettle, by applying experimental techniques from Thermodynamics and other engineering disciplines.

Experimental Objective:

Determine the thermal efficiency of a standard plug-in kettle.

Materials:

The following materials should be available in a typical kitchen:

1. kettle (that plugs into the wall…)
2. water (tap water is fine)

• timing device

1. measuring tools for liquids
2. any other materials you use…

Assumptions:

These should be stated clearly on the lab report.  Assume 117 Volts from a standard electric plug;  Assume that the heat capacity of water is 4.184 J/g as a liquid.

Methodology:

This is to be determined by you.  It is part of the exercise, but I am willing to discuss.

Results:

You will want to get more than one experiment (or run) to get a sense of experimental error.

Discussion:

Discuss the results and analyze for sources of error; discuss your assumptions and whether they are valid.

Conclusions:

A bold statement (or two) at the end!