specfic heat capacity

experiment 2

first thing to do

get your metal block calorimeter, make a note of the metal you have been given and measure its mass in kg.

APPARATUS

· metal block calorimeter

· insulation on the outside of the block

· oil

· emersion heater and power supply

· heat resistant mat

· thermometer

· stop clock

· connecting wires

· balance

· ammeter

· voltmeter

what to do after weighing the metal block

Put the immersion heater in the large hole and connect it

what to do after connecting the immersion heater

Put a few drops of oil in the small hole of the calorimeter. This will help conduct energy from the block to the thermometer.

what to do after adding oil

Ensure the power supply is set to 12V. Switch on the supply and make a note of the readings on the two meters. They should remain constant throughout the investigation.

what to do after ensuring the power setting and taking readings

Record the temperature and start the stop clock. Record the temperature every minute for the next 10 minutes.

after recording the temperature every 10 mins

 The power of the immersion heater can be calculated from the current (A) that flows through it and the potential difference (V) across it. Calculate the power using the equation P=IxV(power=current x potential difference or voltage both same)

what do u need to work out when processing results

calculate work done

draw a graph

calculate the gradient of the graph to calculate the heat capacity

how to get work done from heater

multiply power value of the heater x times in seconds

how to display the graph

Draw a graph of your results making sure that the work done is plotted on the x-axis and the temperature is on the y-axis. You will need to draw a line of best fit.

sum to calculate the specific heat capacity of the material of the block using the

heat capacity of the block/mass of the block (kg) = specific heat capacity of the material

The rate of change of temperature is given by the gradient of the temperature vs. time gradient graph.

pick two points

y-y

x-x

y answer divided by x answer

temperature change

gradient x time