Chapter 19 Introduction

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When charcoal burns in a barbecue grill, energy is released, allowing us to cook a tasty meal.
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CHAPTER 19

Measuring Energy

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In this chapter, you will study

  • substances that will and will not burn

  • experimental methods for measuring heat

  • how to compare different fuels

  • quantifying energy

One way to make use of the energy from chemical change is to burn a fuel. In homes, methane gas is burned in water heaters and kitchen stoves. In most automobiles, gasoline or some other fuel is burned. However, not all substances burn, and not all fuels are equally productive from an energy standpoint. Chapter 19 of Unit 5: Fire introduces you to ways that energy from chemical change can be observed and measured.