Investigating Specific Heat Capacity

What is an optional extension of the experiment suggested in the document?

Investigating the specific heat capacity of liquids.

How many readings are suggested to be collected during the experiment?

Ten readings.

What measurement should be monitored using an ammeter during the experiment?

The current through the circuit, I.

What should you do to compare specific heat capacities using different materials?

Repeat the experiment with different materials.

What graph should be plotted using the collected data?

A graph of energy transferred to the thermal energy store of the block against temperature.

What formula is used to calculate the energy transferred to the heater?

E = Pt, where t is the time in seconds since the experiment began.

What can be improved in the experiment if the hole in the material is bigger than the thermometer?

Put a small amount of water in the hole with the thermometer to improve measurement accuracy.

How often should you measure the block's temperature during the experiment?

Every minute.

How should you assume the energy has been transferred in the experiment?

All the energy supplied to the heater has been transferred to the block.

What is the gradient of the graph used to determine?

The specific heat capacity of the material of the block.

What insulating material is suggested to wrap around the block?

A thick layer of newspaper.

What material property can be determined by using the experiment described in the document?

The specific heat capacity of a material.

What is the initial measurement taken in the experiment before starting the power supply?

The initial temperature of the block.

What potential difference should be set on the power supply for the experiment?

10 V.

What materials can be used for investigating specific heat capacities in this experiment?

Solid materials, such as copper.

What are the two instruments inserted into the block for this experiment?

A heater and a thermometer.

What should you start on the power supply before turning it on?

A stopwatch.