RP: measuring specific heat capacity

• What are the three methods by which energy is transmitted?

  Conduction, convection, and radiation
• How can the conductivity of materials be compared?

  By examining the time taken to transmit energy through them
• What is the aim of the specific heat capacity experiment?

  • To measure the specific heat capacity of a sample of material
• What is the definition of potential difference in a circuit?

  It is a measure of the energy given to the charge carriers
• What are the units of potential difference?

  Volts (V)
• What should be recorded during the specific heat capacity experiment?

  The change in temperature and energy transferred
• What are the steps in the specific heat capacity experiment?

  1. Place immersion heater and thermometer in the block
  2. Insulate the block with cotton wool
  3. Record initial temperature
  4. Connect heater and turn it off after 10 minutes
  5. Record highest temperature reached
  6. Calculate temperature rise and record results
• How do you calculate energy transferred in the experiment?

  Using the formula \(E = V \times I \times t\)
• If the potential difference is 10.80 V, current is 3.65 A, and time is 600 seconds, what is the energy transferred?

  $E =$$10.80 \times 3.65 \times 600 =$$23,652~J$
• What is the formula for calculating specific heat capacity?

  $c =$$\frac{E}{m \Delta T}$
• If the energy transferred is 23,652 J, mass is 1 kg, and temperature rise is 23°C, what is the specific heat capacity?

  $c =$$\frac{23,652}{1 \times 23} =$$1,028~J/kg°C$
• Why might the calculated specific heat capacity differ from the actual value?

  Due to experimental errors and heat loss to surroundings
• What are the hazards and control measures in the specific heat capacity experiment?

  Hazards:

  • Hot immersion heater and sample material

  
  

  Control measures:

  • Do not touch when switched on
  • Position away from the edge of the desk
  • Allow time to cool before packing away
  • Run any burn under cold running water for at least 10 minutes
• What is the actual value for the specific heat capacity of aluminium?

  900 J/kg°C
• What is a consequence of touching a hot immersion heater?

  Burnt skin
• What should you do if you get burnt by the immersion heater?

  Run the burn under cold running water for at least 10 minutes