Specific heat capacity

• What materials are used in the experiment?

  Brass, copper, and aluminium
• Why is water added to the setup?

  To eliminate air gap for accurate reading
• What is the duration for recording temperature in the experiment?

  10 minutes
• What is the initial temperature recorded before starting the experiment?

  24 degrees Celsius
• What is the equation for specific heat capacity?

  Energy = mass × specific heat capacity × temperature change
• How is specific heat capacity rearranged in the equation?

  SHC = energy / (mass × temperature change)
• What are the units for specific heat capacity?

  Joules per kilogram per degree Celsius
• Why does the block warm up slowly at first?

  The heater needs to heat up first
• What is the mass of the aluminium block used in the experiment?

  1 kilogram
• How is energy calculated in the experiment?

  Using power and time
• What is the more accurate way to measure power?

  Using a voltmeter and ammeter
• How is power calculated using current and voltage?

  Power = current × voltage
• What should be plotted on the y-axis of the graph?

  Temperature
• What is the purpose of the linear portion of the graph?

  To calculate specific heat capacity
• How is specific heat capacity calculated from the graph?

  SHC = (power × time) / (mass × temperature change)
• What is the actual specific heat capacity of aluminium?

  900 joules per kilogram per degree Celsius
• Why is the calculated specific heat capacity higher than the actual value?

  Energy is lost to surroundings
• How can the experiment be improved for accuracy?

  By insulating the block
• What are the steps to measure specific heat capacity in the experiment?

  1. Set up the heater and thermometer in the block.
  2. Add water to eliminate air gaps.
  3. Turn on the heater and record temperature every minute for 10 minutes.
  4. Calculate energy using power and time.
  5. Plot temperature vs. time on a graph.
  6. Use the linear portion to calculate specific heat capacity.
• What are the factors affecting the accuracy of specific heat capacity measurements?

  • Energy loss to surroundings
  • Inaccurate thermometer readings
  • Fluctuations in current and voltage
  • Insufficient insulation of the block