Practicals

• What does S.H.C stand for in the context of this experiment?

  Specific Heat Capacity
• What is the first step in measuring the specific heat capacity of water or a metal block?

  Measure the mass of water or the metal block with a top pan balance
• How should the electrical heater and thermometer be positioned in the experiment?

  They should be placed in the water or in the metal block that has slots for them
• Why is a drop of water used in the slots of the metal block?

  To allow better heat transfer
• What components are connected to the heater in the experiment?

  An ammeter in series and a voltmeter in parallel
• What is the formula for calculating energy supplied in the experiment?


  Energy supplied = power x time
• What is the relationship between voltage, current, and time as given in the study material?

  V = It
• How often should the temperature be recorded during the experiment?

  Every 20 seconds
• What is the purpose of calculating the total energy in the experiment?

  To use it in the equation for specific heat capacity
• What is the equation for specific heat capacity as mentioned in the study material?

  1. H.C = energy / (mass x temperature change)
• What is the aim of the experiment described in the study material?

  To calculate the specific heat capacity for water or a metal
• What is the aim of the specific heat capacity experiment?

  To calculate the specific heat capacity (SHC) for water or a metal
• What is the independent variable in the specific heat capacity experiment?

  The energy/heat supplied
• What is the dependent variable in the specific heat capacity experiment?

  The temperature
• What equipment is needed to conduct the specific heat capacity experiment?

  • Electrical heater
  • Thermometer
  • Power supply
  • Ammeter (in series)
  • Voltmeter (in parallel)
  • Water or metal block
  • Top pan balance
• How is energy supplied calculated in the specific heat capacity experiment?

  Energy supplied = Power x time = VIt
• What should be recorded at the start of the specific heat capacity experiment?

  The initial temperature
• How often should the temperature be recorded during the experiment?

  Every ~20 seconds
• What is the easy analysis method for calculating specific heat capacity?

  Calculate total energy using the final time and temperature change, then use the equation SHC = energy / (mass x temp change)
• What is the hard analysis method for calculating specific heat capacity?

  Calculate energy supplied for each time interval, plot temperature against this, and calculate the linear gradient of the linear part of the line of best fit
• What does a 1° gradient represent in the hard analysis method?

  It represents energy divided by temperature change
• How do you obtain a more accurate value for specific heat capacity in the hard analysis method?

  Divide the gradient by the mass
• What tool is used to measure the mass of water or the metal block?

  A top pan balance
• What are the steps involved in the specific heat capacity experiment?

  1. Set up the heater and thermometer in water or metal.
  2. Connect the heater to a power supply with ammeter and voltmeter.
  3. Record initial temperature and start timing.
  4. Record temperature every ~20 seconds.
  5. Analyze data using easy or hard analysis methods.
  6. Measure mass with a top pan balance.