Required practical: specific heat capacity

Question 1

Step 1

Answer 1

Place beaker on balance and press 0

Question 2

Step 2

Answer 2

Add oil to beaker and record mass

Question 3

Step 3

Answer 3

Add immersion heater and thermometer into oil
Record starting temp

Question 4

Step 4

Answer 4

Wrap beaker in insulating foam to reduce heat transfer to surroundings

Question 5

Step 5

Answer 5

Connect joulemeter to immersion meater

Question 6

Step 6

Answer 6

Leave for 30 mins

Question 7

Step 7

Answer 7

Read total number of joules of energy passed into immersion heater
Read final temperature

Question 8

Step 8

Answer 8

Calculate specific heat capacity
Using equation:
Specific heat capacity =
Change in thermal energy
—————————————
Mass (kg) x temp change

Question 9

Sources of innaccuracy and how to fix?

Answer 9

Thermal energy passing out the beaker = use insulator with low conductivity
Not all thermal energy passed into oil = ensure immersion heater fully submerged
Incorrect reading = use electronic temp probe
Thermal energy not spread out = stir