specific heat capacity

Different materials require a different amount of energy to change their temperature. The amount of energy required to raise 1kg of a material by 1°C is known as the specific heat capacity. In this practical we will experimentally identify the specific heat capacity of different materials by heating them and recording their change in temperature.

aim

determine the specific heat capacity of a solid block by measuring the amount of energy required to change its temperature

independent variable

type of material

dependent variable

temperature rise

control variables

mass of material

surface area of material

equipment

• power pack set to DC, 12V

• metal blocks (e.g. aluminium, copper, steel)

• immersion heater

• ammeter

• voltmeter

• stop clock

• insulating material

• pipette with small amount of water

• thermometer

how to know energy supplied (J) to immersion heater

P = IV for power

E = Pt for energy

setup

• thermometer and immersion heater in block

• insulator material around block

• an ammeter connected in series with the immersion heater

• a voltmeter connected in parallel with the immersion heater

steps

1. add a few drops of water in the block where the thermometer goes

2. place the thermometer in the hole

3. record the initial temperature of the block

4. turn power pack on and start the stop clock

5. record the current and potential difference readings

6. when the stop clock reaches 1 minute, record the final temperature reading

7. repeat for 10 minutes