Specific Heat Capacity - PRACTICAL Flashcards
Energy (15 cards)
What is the purpose of an ammeter in the experiment?
To measure the current flowing through the circuit
An ammeter is an instrument used to measure electric current in a circuit.
What happens to the material’s temperature as it heats up?
The temperature of the material increases
This occurs as thermal energy is transferred to the material’s thermal energy store.
How often should you take readings of temperature and current during the experiment?
Every minute for 10 minutes
This allows for consistent data collection over the heating period.
What should you observe about the current through the circuit as the block heats up?
The current doesn’t change
This indicates that the resistance of the circuit remains constant.
What is the formula to calculate power supplied to the heater?
P = VI
Where P is power, V is potential difference, and I is current.
How do you calculate the energy transferred to the heater over time?
E = Pt
Where E is energy, P is power, and t is time in seconds.
What can you plot to analyze the energy transfer during the experiment?
A graph of energy transferred to the thermal energy store against temperature
This graph helps visualize the relationship between energy transfer and temperature change.
What does the gradient of the straight part of the graph represent?
The specific heat capacity of the material
It is calculated using the relationship between energy transfer and temperature change.
What is the equation for specific heat capacity derived from the graph’s gradient?
1 / (gradient x mass of the block)
What is the first step to investigate a solid material like copper?
Obtain a block of the material with two holes
The holes are for inserting the heater and thermometer.
Why is it important to wrap the block in an insulating layer?
To reduce energy transferred from the block to the surroundings
Insulation minimizes heat loss, ensuring accurate measurements.
What should you measure before starting the experiment?
The mass of the block and the initial temperature
These measurements are crucial for calculating specific heat capacity.
What is the potential difference set for the power supply in the experiment?
10 V
This voltage is used to ensure a consistent power input to the heater.
How can you investigate the specific heat capacity of liquids?
By placing the heater and thermometer in an insulated beaker filled with a known mass of the liquid
This allows for similar measurements as with solids.
How do you find the gradient of the straight part of the graph
Change in Temp. / Change in thermal energy
