specific heat capacity

• What is the specific heat capacity of a substance?

  Energy required to raise 1 kg by 1°C
• Why is determining the specific heat capacity of a material important?

  It is a required practical for exams
• What is the procedure to determine the specific heat capacity of vegetable oil?

  1. Place a beaker on a balance and zero it.
  2. Add oil and record its mass.
  3. Insert a thermometer and immersion heater.
  4. Measure the starting temperature.
  5. Wrap the beaker in insulating foam.
  6. Connect a joule meter and power pack.
  7. Leave for 30 minutes to heat.
  8. Record total joules and final temperature.
  9. Calculate specific heat capacity using the formula.
• What is the formula for calculating change in thermal energy?

  Change in thermal energy = mass × specific heat capacity × temperature change
• How do you rearrange the thermal energy equation for specific heat capacity?

  Specific heat capacity = change in thermal energy / (mass × temperature change)
• What are the main sources of inaccuracies in the specific heat capacity experiment?

  • Thermal energy loss to the air
  • Incomplete energy transfer from heater to oil
  • Incorrect thermometer readings
  • Uneven thermal distribution in oil
• How can thermal energy loss to the air be reduced?

  Use an insulator with lower thermal conductivity
• How can you ensure all thermal energy from the immersion heater passes into the oil?

  Ensure the immersion heater is fully submerged
• What can be done to prevent incorrect thermometer readings?

  Use an electronic temperature probe
• How can thermal energy be evenly spread through the oil?

  Stir the oil during heating
• What additional minor sources of inaccuracies might occur in the experiment?

  • Air currents affecting temperature
  • Variations in oil composition
  • Calibration errors in measuring devices