A sample of sucrose was burned in a calorimeter, and 41,600 joules of heat energy were released. Which statement is true about the water in the calorimeter? It released 20,800 joules.
It released 41,600 joules.
It absorbed 20,800 joules.
It absorbed 41,600 joules.

the old alchemists made significant contributions to science even though there starting premises were off a bit. their conclusions after failure would steer them into better directions for investigation. science is no more than close observation and the initial mistakes result in rethinking and retrying experiments.