Required Practical 14 - Specific Heat Capacity

Question 1

What is the specific heat capacity?

Answer 1

The amount of energy needed to heat 1kg of a substance by 1 degree Celsius

Question 2

How do you work out specific heat capacity

Answer 2

Energy transferred/ (mass x temperature change)

Question 3

What is the purpose?

Answer 3

To investigate the specific heat capacity of one or more materials

Question 4

Method

Answer 4

• Measure and record the mass of the substance you’re measuring
• wrap insulating materials around it
• connect the components together
• put in the thermometer, measuring the starting temperature and turn on the power pack
• measure the temperature every minute for 30 minute, put in a table
• use the energy transferred from the voltmeter and temperature change to calculate the specific heat capacity
• put results on a graph

Question 5

Equipment

Answer 5

• substance (eg copper)/ insulative material/ thermometer/ an immersion heater/ a voltmeter/ a power pack/ ammeter/ connecting leads/ stopwatch/ balance or scales

Question 6

What is the independent variable

Answer 6

The substance used

Question 7

What is the dependent variable

Answer 7

The temperature change and energy transfer

Question 8

What is the control variable

Answer 8

The mass of the metal blocks

Question 9

How can it be improved

Answer 9

• Use an insulator to stop unwanted transfers
• ensure the heater is fully submerged
• use an electric temperature probe for accuracy

Question 10

What are the risks

Answer 10

The heater can overheat, and electrical equipment is used so make sure to not touch anything that’s too hot and turn the equipment off once done