Thermodynamics Coursework ENG1062

Carry out the following task in your own time. You may choose to
work in 2s or 3s or on your own. If you work as a group, submit one
report EACH but list the names of all who took part in gathering the
data. Your reports should be separate and you should try to reach
your own independent conclusions although I expect you to discuss
the tasks as a group and learn from each other. If reports are directly
copied they will be penalised.
Each report should be BRIEF and contain Background research on
microwave ovens; Experiment aims; Method; Data; Analysis;
Discussion; Conclusions (as appropriate) it need only be 3 pages
long maximum. Comment briefly on the accuracy of your findings and
any errors and assumptions made and how this may affect your
findings.

Do some research on microwave energy as used in microwave ovens.

How is energy transformed in this process and how does it heat food?
Devise an experiment to estimate the efficiency of a microwave oven
and carry this out at home or in your residence. Write a short report
detailing your findings and describing the experiment and results.
Compare your findings for the energy used with the manufacturers
data for your microwave.
I suggest you use water with a pinch of salt or sugar added.
Thermometers reading covering the range 10-100C are available to
borrow from me for the maximum period of 3 days, on the first come
first serve basis. Check the manufacturers instructions to ensure you
use the oven safely. CAUTION: Under no circumstances place a
thermometer or any metallic object in an activated microwave oven.
A) Calculate the heat input to the water using an approximate value
for the specific heat of water
B) Calculate the electrical energy used by the device using the
manufacturers power consumption figures.
Hence deduce the efficiency of the device.
It is recommended to repeat the measurement for 3 times with
different times and water quantities in order to achieve a more
accurate result.

Deadline Tuesday W10: 1600 Tuesday 8th December 2015

via SurreyLearn in the Thermo CWK Assignment Folder

Microwave mini-project Assessment Criteria

Sensibly structured mini-report with suitable headings written in good clear English
containing all the required sections and within the 3 page limit
Experiment aims; Method; Data; Analysis; Discussion; Conclusions
+ research and references
[4]

Evidence of Background research simply describing the operation of a microwave

oven properly referenced without copying; any Figs numbered with a caption and
referenced in the text.
[2]
Clear experimental method and presentation of results, showing appropriate units
on all quantities. Discussion of reliability of findings, repeatability and sources of
errors.
[2]
Appropriate values of c and u used in calculations and credible value for for the
whole unit and for the heating process based on manufacturers power data.
[2]
Total marks 10