Specific Heat Capacity RPA

Question 1

What 3 things must we measure to get specific heat capacity

Answer 1

Temperature change
Mass
Change in energy

As specific heat capacity= change in energy/ (mass x temperature change)

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

1)Use top balance to measure mass of each metal cylinder
2) Add thermometer and heater to cylinder
3) Attach heater to joule meter
4) use thermometer to record initial temperature
5) turn on heater and leave for 10 mins
6) turn off heater and use thermometer to measure final temperature
7) Take reading on joule meter for energy change
8) calculate change in temperature by doing final temperature- initial temperature
9) use equation: specific heat capacity= change in energy/ (mass x change in temperature)

Question 3

Apparatus used to measure change in energy

Answer 3

Joulemeter

Question 4

How to prevent heat loss

Answer 4

Insulate metal cylinder

Question 5

Why might specific heat capacity value be higher than it should

Answer 5

Thermal energy dissipated to surroundings

Question 6

How to improve accuracy of reading from thermometer

Answer 6

Add a few drops of water to the hole before adding the thermometer- improves thermal contact and ensures even heating

Question 7

How to calculate energy transferred if not using joulmeter

Answer 7

Attach heater to ammeter and power pack in series and voltmeter in parallel
Record current on ammeter and potential difference on voltmeter
Use equation P=IV to calculate power
Use equation power= energy transferred/ time