measurement of the specific heat capacity of water

Question 1

what measurements of mass did the student take during the experiment?

Answer 1

the student measured the mass of the empty calorimeter, the calorimeter with water, and subtracts these to find the mass of the water

Question 2

describe the method used for this experiment?

Answer 2

find the mass of the calorimeter.
add enough water to cover the heating coil, then measure the mass of calorimeter and water.
by subtraction find the mass of the water.
place the calorimeter in the insulating material.
measure initial temperature of the water.
switch on the joulemeter and the current.
allow current to flow until the temperature of the water changes by 10c, stirring continuously. take a reading on the joulemeter
stir the water and when the temperature stops rising, and record the final temperature

Question 3

give precautions used to get an accurate result

Answer 3

do not allow too much current to flow as a change in state(steam) will affect the result
use a sensitive thermometer with a low specific heat capacity
use an insulating material to minimise heat loss to the surroundings

Question 4

what formula could be used to calculate the specific heat capacity?

Answer 4

energy supplied=heat energy gained

q=mc delta thefa of water + mc delta thefa calorimeter