Specific Heat Capacity

Question 1

What is specific heat capacity?

Answer 1

The ammount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1kg of a substance by 1 degree celsius.

Question 2

How do you carry out the practical for specific heat capacity?

Answer 2

1. Place a beaker on a balance and set it to zero.
2. Add the oil and record its mass.
3. Place a thermometer and an immersion heater in the oil.
4. Read the starting temperature of the oil.
5. Wrap the beaker in insulating foam.
6. Connect a joulemeter to the immersion heater.
7. Leave the set up for around 30 minutes.
8. Read the number of Joules of energy that passed through the immersion heater.
9. Read the final temperature of the oil.
10. Substitute the values you have found into the equation.

Question 3

Why are bricks or concrete blocks used in storage heaters?

Answer 3

Because they have a high SHC, so they store lots of energy- they warm up slowly when the water element is on, and cool down slowly when it is off.