Specific Heat Capacity Flashcards
What is Specific Heat Capacity?
The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1kg by 1°C.
What is the purpose of the specific heat capacity practical?
To find out the specific heat capacity of a material.
What does a joulemeter measure?
Energy going into the heater in joules.
What is the function of insulation in the practical?
To stop heat escaping into the atmosphere.
What does a thermometer measure in this experiment?
The temperature rise.
Why do you need to insulate the block?
To stop heat loss to the atmosphere.
Why might the calculated specific heat capacity not be the true value?
Because not all the heat was transferred into the block and through to the thermometer.
Why is the temperature increase slower at first?
Because it takes some time for the block to heat up and for the heat to reach the thermometer.
What are alternative heating methods besides a metal block?
A kettle to heat an amount of water or any other way of heating something.
What may affect the repeatability of temperature measurements?
Slightly different readings could occur each time the experiment is repeated.
What might you need to calculate regarding the results of the experiment?
The mean or the uncertainty of the measurements.
