Specific heat capacity

• What is the purpose of Core Practical 7?

  To investigate the properties of water
• What equipment is used in Core Practical 7?

  Crushed ice, boiling tube, thermometer
• What are the main steps in Method Part 1?

  1. Fill beaker with boiling water.
  2. Fill boiling tube with crushed ice.
  3. Place boiling tube in beaker and start stopwatch.
  4. Record temperature every 30 seconds until ice melts.
  5. Plot temperature-time graph showing a plateau.
• Why should the water in the beaker remain at a constant temperature?

  To ensure accurate temperature readings
• How often should the temperature of the ice be recorded?

  Every 30 seconds
• What does the plateau in the temperature-time graph indicate?

  Energy is breaking bonds, not increasing temperature
• What are the steps in Method Part 2?

  1. Zero the balance with the empty beaker.
  2. Fill beaker with water and record mass.
  3. Add thermometer and immersion heater, insulate beaker.
  4. Record initial temperature and turn on heater.
  5. Heat for an hour or until significant temperature change.
  6. Record final temperature and joulemeter value.
• What should be done to ensure even heat distribution in the water?

  Continually stir the water
• What formula is used to calculate the specific heat capacity of water?

  $c =$$\frac{Q}{m\Delta T}$
• What does $Q$ represent in the specific heat capacity formula?


  Energy transferred during heating
• What safety precautions should be taken during the experiment?

  • Care when pouring boiling water.
  • Tie back hair and secure loose clothing.
  • Use safety flame when not heating.
  • Ensure gas taps are off when not in use.
• Why should hair be tied back during the experiment?

  To prevent it from catching fire
• What should be done with the Bunsen burner when not in use?

  Use the safety flame
• How does the use of cladding benefit the experiment?

  It insulates the beaker to retain heat
• What is the role of the joulemeter in the experiment?

  To measure energy transferred during heating
• What is the significance of recording the state of the ice during the experiment?

  To observe phase changes during melting
• If the initial temperature of water is $20^\circ C$ and the final temperature is $80^\circ C$, what is the change in temperature?


  $60^\circ C$
• What could happen if the Bunsen burner is left on for too long?

  It could cause a fire hazard