Specific Heat Capcity

Question 1

What is the aim of the specific heat capacity practical?

Answer 1

To determine the specific heat capacity of a material using a heater, thermometer, and known mass

Question 2

What is specific heat capacity?

Answer 2

The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C.

Question 3

What equipment is used in this practical?

Answer 3

• Metal block with hole
• Electric heater
• Power supply
• Ammeter
• Voltmeter
• Thermometer
• Stopwatch
• Balance (to measure mass)
• Insulating material

Question 4

What is the method for this practical?

Answer 4

1. Measure mass of the metal block.
   
   2. Place heater and thermometer in the block.
   3. Record initial temperature.
   4. Switch on power supply and start stopwatch.
   5. Record voltage and current.
   6. After 10 minutes, record final temperature.
   7. Use equation to calculate c.

Question 5

What should be kept constant in this experiment?

Answer 5

Mass of block
• Voltage and current
• Time the heater is on
• Insulation method

Question 6

What are common errors in this practical?

Answer 6

• Heat lost to surroundings
• Poor contact between heater and block
• Inaccurate temperature readings

Question 7

How can errors be reduced?

Answer 7

Use insulation to reduce heat loss
• Ensure heater fits tightly
• Stir the substance (if liquid) evenly

Question 8

What is the unit of specific heat capacity?

Answer 8

J/kg°C (Joules per kilogram per degree Celsius)

Question 9

Why is it important to use an insulating layer around the block?

Answer 9

To reduce heat loss to the surroundings and improve accuracy.