specific heat capacity

Method (18)

1. Measure mass of the copper block (kg)

2. Wrap insulation around the block

3. Place the immersion heater into the larger hole of the block

4. Connect ammeter, power pack and heater in series

5. Connect the voltmeter across the heater

6. Use a pipette to put a small a mount of water in the other hole

7. Put the thermometer in the same hole

8. Set the power back to 12V & switch on

9. Record the ammeter and voltmeter readings

10. Take the starting temperature reading and start the stopwatch

11. Record the temperature every minute for 10 minutes

12. Calculate the power of the heater in watts ( using Power = potential difference x current)

13. Calculate work done by heater ( work done = power x time)

14. Plot a graphnof the temperature against work done & draw a line of best fit

15. Calculate the gradient (change in y/change in x)

16. Calculate heat capacity of copper block (1/gradient)

17. Calculate specific heat capacity of copper block (energy transferred / mass x temperature change)

18. Repeat steps with aluminium and iron blocks

Variables

IV: time

DV: change in temperature

CV: current, voltage

Errors

Random: some heat will dissipate into surroundings, ammeter/voltmeter measuring errors, human error

Systematic: if ammeter/voltmeter aren't set to 0 to begging with

Safety

Don't touch block/heater when hot

Keep block on heatproof mat

Avoid water spills near power supply

Hot water = eye protection