Specific heat capacity

Question 1

What is the specific heat capacity of a substance?

Answer 1

The specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1kg of the substance by 1-degree celcius.

Question 2

What are the steps for doing a specific heat capacity practical?

Answer 2

1. Place a beaker on a balance and press 0.
2. Now add the oil to the beaker and record the mass of the oil.
3. Place a thermometer and immersion heater into the oil.
4. Read the starting temperature of the oil.
5. Wrap the beaker in insulating foam to reduce thermal energy transfer to surroundings.
6. Connect a joulemeter to the immersion heater. Then, time for 30mins.
7. Then read the number of joules of energy that passed into the immersion heater. Then, read the final temperature of the oil.

Question 3

What is the equation for specific heat capacity?

Answer 3

Specific heat capacity (J/kg°) = Change in thermal energy (J) ÷ mass(kg) x Temperature change

Question 4

List sources of inaccuracy

Answer 4

-Not using an insulator.

Question 5

What is the equipment needed for the practical ?

Answer 5

-Immersion heater
-Thermometer
-Beaker
-Oil
-Insulating foam
-Balance
-Joulemeter
-Powerpack