Investigating Specific Heat Capacity

Question 1

What is the first step in the experiment?

Answer 1

Measure the mass of the block

This is the initial measurement needed before further steps are taken.

Question 2

What should be used to wrap the block to reduce energy transfer?

Answer 2

An insulating layer (e.g., a thick layer of newspaper)

This helps minimize heat loss to the surroundings.

Question 3

What is the potential difference set to in the experiment?

Answer 3

10 V

This is the voltage of the power supply used in the experiment.

Question 4

How often should temperature and current readings be taken?

Answer 4

Every minute for 10 minutes

This allows for tracking the heating process over time.

Question 5

What should be monitored to ensure the experiment’s validity?

Answer 5

The ammeter

The current through the circuit should remain constant during the experiment.

Question 6

What does the current in the circuit do when power is turned on?

Answer 6

Does work on the heater, transferring energy electrically

This process increases the thermal energy of the heater.

Question 7

What formula is used to calculate the power of the heater?

Answer 7

P = VI

P represents power, V is the potential difference, and I is the current.

Question 8

How can the energy transferred by the heater be calculated?

Answer 8

E = Pt

E is energy, P is power, and t is the time in seconds since the experiment began.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The heater’s thermal energy store receives energy from the _______.

Answer 9

Power supply

This energy transfer leads to an increase in the material’s temperature.

Question 10

True or False: The temperature of the block decreases as energy is transferred to it.

Answer 10

False

The temperature of the block increases due to the energy transfer.