Specific Heat Capacity Practical

AQA-style Exam Question

Describe an investigation to deduce the Specific Heat Capacity of water.

[6 marks]

• Formula for Specific Heat Capacity?

  ΔE = mcΔθ

  ΔE = energy transferred (J)
  m = mass (kg)
  c = specific heat capacity (J/kg°C)
  Δθ = temperature change (°C)

• What are we trying to CALCULATE?

  We are trying to calculate the specific heat capacity, c, of water.

• What do we MEASURE?

  Measure the mass of water (m), energy transferred (ΔE) and temperature change (Δθ).

• How will we measure MASS?

  Measure the mass of the empty beaker using a balance.
  Add the water and measure the mass again.

  mass of water = mass of beaker + water − mass of empty beaker

• What equipment/ setup do we need to heat the water and measure TEMPERATURE and ENERGY?

  Place an immersion heater and thermometer in the water.

  Connect the immersion heater to the power supply through a joulemeter to measure the energy transferred.

• BEFORE we turn on the power, what do we measure?

  Measure and record the initial temperature of the water.

• AFTER we turn on the power and start HEATING, what do we measure?

  Switch on the heater and allow energy to transfer to the water.

  Record the energy transferred using the joulemeter. Stir the water to distribute heat, and wait for the highest temperature to be reached on the thermometer - jot down the final temperature.

  temperature change = final temperature − initial temperature

• What do we CALCULATE specific heat capacity (c)?

  Rearrange the equation:

  c = ΔE ÷ (m × Δθ)

  Substitute the measured values for energy transferred, mass and temperature change.

Challenge:

• How can we improve accuracy of the experiment?

  Insulate the beaker and use a lid to reduce energy transfer to the surroundings.

Continue Revising Paper 1

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