RP1: Specific Heat Capacity

Question 1

Method

Answer 1

Place beaker on balance and press 0

Add oil and record mass
Place thermometer and immersion heater into the oil
Read starting temp
Wrap beaker in insulating foam
Connect joulemeter and powerpack to immersion heater
Time for 30 minutes
Read total joules and final oil temp
Calculate specific heat capacity

Question 2

Sources of inaccuracy and fixes

Answer 2

Thermal energy lost passing out of beaker - use insulator with lower thermal conductivity

Not all thermal energy passes into oil - ensure immersion heater is fully submerged

Incorrect reading of thermometer - use electronic temp probe

Thermal energy not being spread through oil - stir the oil