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Figure 12 shows the equipment a student used to determine the specific heat capacity of iron - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 9 - 2023 - Paper 1

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Figure 12 shows the equipment a student used to determine the specific heat capacity of iron. The iron block the student used has two holes, one for the heater and o... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 12 shows the equipment a student used to determine the specific heat capacity of iron - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 9 - 2023 - Paper 1

Step 1

Before the power supply was switched on, suggest why the student left the thermometer in the iron block.

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Answer

The student allowed the thermometer to remain in the iron block to ensure that the thermometer reached thermal equilibrium with the iron. This ensures an accurate measurement of the initial temperature, reflecting the true temperature of the block.

Step 2

Calculate the specific heat capacity of iron.

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Answer

Let \Delta \theta = 54 - 28 = 26 , (^{\circ}C)

The energy transferred (Q) is given as 26,000 J and the mass (m) of the iron block is 2.0 kg.

Using the formula for specific heat capacity:

c=QmDeltathetac = \frac{Q}{m \cdot \\Delta \\theta}

Substituting the values:

c = \frac{26000}{2.0 \cdot 26} = \frac{26000}{52} = 500 \, (J/kg \,^{\circ}C)

Step 3

What effect will adding insulation around the iron block have?

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Answer

  1. The calculated specific heat capacity will be more accurate.
  2. The iron block will transfer thermal energy to the surroundings at a lower rate.

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