Specific Heat Capacity Physics Practical

Step 1 METHOD

Measure the mass of the metal block using a balance.

Step 2 METHOD

Insert the electrical heater and thermometer into the holes in the metal block.

Step 3 METHOD

Record the initial temperature of the block.

Step 4 METHOD

Connect the heater to a power supply.

Step 5

Switch on the heater and start the stopwatch at the same time.

Step 6 METHOD

Heat the block for a known time (e.g. 10 minutes).

Step 7 METHOD

Record the temperature every minute (or record the final temperature after the heating period).

Step 8 METHOD

Calculate the temperature change:

final - initial

Step 9 METHOD

Calculate the energy supplied by the heater:

E = Pt

(or E = VIt if voltage and current are measured)

Step 10 METHOD

Calculate the specific heat capacity using: the equation

Independent

Type of material tested

Control

• voltage

• Current

• Mass of material

• Time intervals

Dependant

Temperature change