PAG 5

Question 1

What is the equipment required for the specific heat capacity experiment?

Answer 1

Aluminium block
Measuring scales
12V, 24W Power Supply
Heater
Ammeter
Voltmeter
Stopwatch
Thermometer

Question 2

How should you setup the apparatus?

Answer 2

Question 3

How do you carry out the specific heat capacity practical?

Answer 3

1. Setup the apparatus, as shown in the diagram.
2. Measure and record the mass of the aluminium block using measuring scales.
3. Place heater inside block.
4. Place thermometer inside block, and measure and record the initial temperature using a thermometer.
5. Switch on the circuit and start the stopwatch.
6. After a certain period of time, turn off the heater.
7. Record the stopwatch time and the final temperature of the block.

Question 4

Key points?

Answer 4

P = IV
Energy = Pt
E = VIt = mc(delta)T

need to insulate (heat is lost to surroundings) or observe temperatures when not too hot as the hotter something is, the faster it gets rid of heat.

Value calculated for SHC is always higher as heat is lost to surroundings.

Question 5

Health and safety?

Answer 5

It gets hot so use a heat mat and leave to cool.

Question 6

Example of calculating SHC from a graph.

Answer 6