Topic 1a - energy transfers (3. specific heat capacity)

Question 1

what is specific heat capacity

Answer 1

the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg substance by 1 degree celcius

Question 2

formula for change in thermal energy

Answer 2

change in thermal energy (j) = mass (kg) x specific heat capacity (j/KgC) x temp change (C)

Question 3

From specific heat capacity experiment would you expect specific heat capacity of material to be higher or lower than what was calculated, and why?

Answer 3

Lower, this is because some of the energy from heater transferred to thermal energy stores of surroundings

Question 4

in specific heat capacity experiment why do you wrap the material in insulator

Answer 4

-reduce energy transferred to surroundings, this increases accuracy