Specific Heat Capacity Flashcards
Define specific heat capacity
Amount of energy needed to increase the temperature of 1kg of a substance by 1 degrees
Why could temperature readings be lower than expected?
Energy supplied transferred to surroundings as thermal energy
What is the formula?
Energy change = mass x SHC x temp change
Name the apparatus for the experiment
Beaker on a balance at 0
Add sample to record mass
Thermometer and immersion heater in liquid
Record start temp
Wrap beaker in insulating foam to reduce heat loss
Connect joulmeter and immersion heater
Time with stopwatch
Record joules
Read final temp
What are some inaccuracies.
Heat released into air So Use insulator with low conductivity
Not all thermal energy pass into oil so ensure immersion heater is fully submerged
Incorrect reading of thermometer so use an electronic temperature probe
Why does a s.h.c graph flatten at a certain point?
When amount of heat energy supplied goes above a certain point, temp of water remains constant
The extra heat energy supplied breaks bonds between water particles to allow them to evaporate
What are the variables for shc practical?
Independent: time
Dependent: temperature
Control: mass of block. Or current
Why is the temperature increase slower at first
Because it takes time for block to heat up and for heat to reach thermometer
One hazard is not water, give one risk
• Burns
