P2 - Specific Heat Capacity

Question 1

What does thermal conductivity mean?

Answer 1

The rate at which heat energy is transferred

Question 2

What is thermal insulation?

Answer 2

To reduce the rate of heat energy transfer

Question 3

Explain what happens in conduction

Answer 3

A solid is heated
The particles vibrate and collide neighbouring particles
This transfers energy

Question 4

Explain what happens in convection

Answer 4

A liquid/gas is heated
It becomes less dense.
Less denser region will rise above the cooler region
This creates a convenction current

Question 5

What is the independent variable in the Specific Heat Capacity experiment?

Answer 5

The material of the block

Question 6

What is the dependent variable in the Specific Heat Capacity experiment?

Answer 6

Specific heat capacity

Question 7

What are the control variables in the Specific Heat Capacity experiment?

Answer 7

The insulating layer
The initial temperature
Time taken

Question 8

How do you calculate Specific Heat Capacity?

Answer 8

SHC = Energy / Mass x temperature change

Question 9

You need to use a pipette to put a few drops of water into the small hole of the material block in the Specific Heat Capacity practical.
Why is this the case?

Answer 9

Because if you dont, airgaps will form and interfere with the experiment

Question 10

What is Specific Heat Capacity?

Answer 10

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