Topic 5 - Specific Heat Capacity (Paper 2)

Question 1

what happens to a substances thermal energy when it is heated?

Answer 1

energy in the thermal energy store increases

Question 2

what is specific heat capacity?

Answer 2

the energy needed to change the temperature of an object by 1 degree celsius per kilogram of mass

Question 3

what is the equation for change in thermal energy?

Answer 3

change in thermal energy = mass x specific heat capacity x change in temperature (ΔQ = mcΔt)

Question 4

how would you find the specific heat capacity of water?

Answer 4

use a thermally insulated container to reduce energy transfer to the surroundings
1. use a mass balance to measure the mass of the container
2. fill the container with water and measure again.
3. attach a joulemeter to an electric immersion heater in the container. add a thermometer.
4. measure the water temperature then turn on the power.
5. when the temperature has increased by a set amount (e.g 10 degrees) record this and the energy on the joulemeter
6. put these values into the equation