Specific heat capacity Flashcards
Define specific heat capacity (SHC)?
The energy required to increase the temperature of 1kg of an object by 1°C
What is the general formula for SHC?
Change in thermal energy=
mass x SHC x change in temperature
What is the symbol equation for SHC?
△E = m x c x △T
What is the equation for SHC measured in?
J = kg x J/kg°C x °C
Equiptment needed for the SHC practical?
- Thermometer
- Joulemeter
- 1kg metal block
- Immersion heater
- Wires
- Power pack
- Insulator
What is the process carried out to measure SHC?
- Measure the mass of the insulating container
- Fill the container with chosen material (e.g water) and measure again
- Set up so the joulemeter reads as 0
- Measure the temp. of material then turn on power
- When the temp. has increased by 10°C, stop the experiment
- Record the energy on the joulemeter
REPEAT
Why should you repeat your experiment?
To be able to calculate an average SHC
(1st) What is a possible error and how can it be accounted for?
- Heat energy (thermal) can be lost into the surroundings
- Insulate the metal block
(2nd) What is a possible error and how can it be accounted for?
- Make sure the final temp. is right
- After switching off, wait and record the highest temp.
What is important to remember when working out SHC?
To convert an objects mass is converted to kg
What is the SHC of water?
4200J/kg°C
What do materials that gain a lot of energy when they warm up do?
- Release a lot of energy when they cool down
- ‘Store’ a lot of heat
What are electric storage heaters designed to do?
Store heat energy at night to release it during the day
When is electricity cheapest?
At night
What do heaters have?
A high SHC, meaning they can store large amounts of heat energy
