Analysis of energy packed goo: An undergraduate physical chemistry experiment

CHED 119

Morgan McConico-Lewis, mmccon04@leeu.edu, Allison J LaFramboise, chemistrynerd04@aol.com, and Johnny L Evans Jr., jevans@leeuniversity.edu. Department of Chemistry, Lee University, 1120 North Ocoee Street, Cleveland, TN 37312
Endurance athletes, such as triathletes, rely heavily upon energy gels to replenish lost electrolytes and increase blood glucose levels. A significant claim of many "goos" is that they provide a significant energy boost for the athlete. To analyze such claims, an undergraduate physical chemistry experiment using bomb calorimetric techniques was developed. The experiment incorporated basic bomb calorimetric techniques to determine the total energy provided by the gels. In addition, contribution of the individual components of the “goo” to the total energy was determined. Five different energy gels were analyzed along with a synthetic gel developed by the students. This is an excellent experiment for undergraduate students, especially physical chemistry, to learn how to apply bomb calorimetric techniques for analysis of a real-world problems.
 

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7:30 PM-9:30 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008