required practical - specific heat capacity

Question 1

what is specific heat capacity

Answer 1

the amount of energy required to raise 1kg of a substance by 1 degree Celsius

Question 2

what is the method for testing the specific heat capacity of a substance

Answer 2

1. place a beaker on a balance and press zero
2. add substance to the beaker and record the mass
3. place thermometer and immersion heater into substance
4. read the starting temperature and record
5. wrap beaker in insulating foam reducing the amount of thermal energy transferred into surroundings
6. connect to a joulemeter and powerpack to immersion heater
7. leave for thirty minutes to allow substance to heat all through
8. read total number of joules of energy and the final temperature of substance

Question 3

what is the equation involving change in thermal energy, specific heat capacity, temperature change and mass

Answer 3

change in thermal energy = mass x specific heat capacity x temp change

Question 4

rearrange the change in thermal energy equation to get the equation for specific heat capacity

Answer 4

specific heat capacity = change in thermal energy / mass x temperature change

Question 5

what are some sources of inaccuracy and how can these be resolved

Answer 5

1. thermal energy passing out of beaker
   - use insulator
2. not all thermal energy passes into substances
   - ensure immersion heater is fully submerged
3. incorrect reading of thermometer
   - use electric one
4. thermal energy not spread all the way through
   - stir the substance