specific heat capaticy

• What is the specific heat capacity of a substance?

  Energy required to raise 1 kg by 1°C
• 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 of the oil.
  5. Wrap the beaker in insulating foam.
  6. Connect a joule meter and power pack to the heater.
  7. Leave for 30 minutes to allow temperature rise.
  8. Record total joules of energy 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 was the mass of the oil used in the experiment?

  0.95 kg
• What was the initial temperature of the oil in the experiment?

  20°C
• What was the final temperature of the oil in the experiment?

  75°C
• How much electrical energy passed into the immersion heater?

  87258 Joules
• What is the specific heat capacity calculated for the oil?

  1670 Joules per kg per °C
• What are the main sources of inaccuracies in the specific heat capacity experiment?

  1. Thermal energy loss to the air.
  2. Incomplete energy transfer from the heater.
  3. Incorrect thermometer readings.
  4. Uneven thermal distribution in the oil.
  5. Minor inaccuracies from other sources.
• 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 distribution in the oil be improved?

  Stir the oil during the experiment
• What is the significance of this practical experiment?

  • Required practical for exams
  • Demonstrates specific heat capacity determination
  • Involves practical application of thermal energy concepts