specific heat capacity

what is the independent variable for SHC?

type of material

what is the dependent variable for SHC?

temperature rise

what are the control variables for SHC?

mass of material, surface area of material

what is measured during SHC?

temperature change of material
voltage across heater
current through heater
time heater is on for

what are the 2 holes for in the material for SHC?

heater and thermometer

how can you improve the reading given by the thermometer?

add a few drops of water to improve thermal contact

what do you always include when answering a 6-mark question on required practicals?

equipment, equation, calculating mean (improvements)

how do you carry out SHC?

set up equipment, wrap insulation around the base and sides of the block
use a pipette to add water to the hole for the thermometer to increase thermal contact
switch on power supply and measure current/potential difference - calculate power using P=IV
keep supply on and start timer - measure temperature of block every minute for 10 minutes
repeat with different materials and calculate a mean

what are safety precautions for SHC?

don’t touch the block/heater during or after heating, keep the block on a heatproof mat