physics - specific heat capacity

Question 1

What is the specific heat capacity of a substance?

Answer 1

the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of a substance by 1 degree celsius

Question 2

what are the units for specific heat capacity?

Answer 2

J/°C/kg
joules/degree celsius/kilogram

Question 3

how to calculate power if it isn’t given in the question?

Answer 3

by connecting a voltmeter in parallel and an ammeter in series, then use the equation P = I x V

Question 4

hey do you use metal blocks with two holes in them during the experiment?

Answer 4

one is for the heater and one is for the thermometer

Question 5

how to improve the reading of the thermometer?

Answer 5

add a few drops of water to the hole with the thermometer to improve the thermal contact, ensuring even heating

Question 6

what reading do you record during the experiment and how frequently?

Answer 6

record the temperature value every 10 mins from when the heater is inserted and switched on

Question 7

what graph should you plot using the data?

Answer 7

a graph of temperature against work done by the heater

Question 8

how do you calculate the work done by the heater?

Answer 8

use the equation: energy = power of heater X time
where energy is equivalent to the work done

Question 9

what does the gradient represent?

Answer 9

the inverse of the heat capacity for the metal block

Question 10

what is the difference between heat capacity and specific heat capacity?

Answer 10

specific heat capacity is the heat capacity measured for a mass of 1kg

Question 11

why should you wrap insulation around the outside of the block?

Answer 11

to reduce the heat lost to the environment, ensuring the temperature reading is as accurate as possible

Question 12

what are the safety precautions taken?

Answer 12

• avoid touching the hot metal
• use a heatproof mat
• avoid spilling water near the power supply