Physics Required Practicals

Question 1

Describe an investigation to determine specific heat capacity of a substance

Answer 1

1. Weigh block of substance using measuring scale
2. Place the immersion heater into the central hole at the top of the block.
3. Place the thermometer into the smaller hole and put a couple of drops of oil into the hole to make sure the thermometer is surrounded by hot material.
4. Fully insulate the block by wrapping it loosely with cotton wool.
5. Attach joule meter to determine energy
6. Record the temperature of the block.
7. Connect the heater to the power supply and turn it off after ten minutes.
8. Record the highest temperature that it reaches and calculate the temperature rise during the experiment.
9. Use SHC = Energy transferred / change in temp x mass to determine SHC