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Figure 19 shows a small piece of copper about 3 cm high - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 8 - 2020 - Paper 1

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Figure 19 shows a small piece of copper about 3 cm high. A student wants to determine the density of copper. The student uses a balance to measure the mass of the ... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 19 shows a small piece of copper about 3 cm high - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 8 - 2020 - Paper 1

Step 1

Explain how the student could measure the volume of the piece of copper.

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Answer

To measure the volume of the piece of copper, the student can use a measuring cylinder or a Eureka can. They should fill the cylinder or Eureka can with water and then submerge the copper piece. The volume can then be determined by measuring the difference in water level before and after the copper is submerged.

Step 2

Calculate the density of copper.

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Answer

The density of copper can be calculated using the formula:

ho = \frac{m}{V}$$ Where: - $m$ = mass of copper = 0.058 kg - $V$ = volume of copper = 6.5 \times 10^{-6} m^3 Substituting the values:

ho = \frac{0.058}{6.5 \times 10^{-6}}\approx 8923.08 , kg/m^3$$

Thus, the density of copper is approximately 8923kg/m38923 \, kg/m^3.

Step 3

Calculate a value for the specific heat capacity of copper, using these results.

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Answer

To find the specific heat capacity of copper, we can rearrange the equation for thermal energy:

ΔQ=mcΔθ\Delta Q = m c \Delta \theta

Where:

  • ΔQ=10500J\,\Delta Q = 10500 \, J (thermal energy gained by water)
  • m=0.058kgm = 0.058 \, kg (mass of copper)
  • Δθ=10022=78°C\,\Delta \theta = 100 - 22 = 78 \, °C (temperature change)

Now substituting these into the rearranged formula:

c=ΔQmΔθ=105000.058×78230J/kg°Cc = \frac{\Delta Q}{m \Delta \theta} = \frac{10500}{0.058 \times 78} \approx 230 \, J/kg \, °C

Therefore, the specific heat capacity of copper is approximately 230J/kg°C230 \, J/kg \, °C.

Step 4

State two ways that the experiment could be improved to give a value that is closer to the correct value.

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Answer

  1. Reduce heat loss from the water by insulating the beaker or covering it, which minimizes energy loss to the environment.
  2. Use a more accurate method for measuring the temperature, such as a calibrated thermometer, to ensure precise measurements.

Step 5

Describe how this coil could be used instead of the Bunsen burner in Figure 20.

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Answer

The coil can be used in place of the Bunsen burner by connecting it to a low voltage power supply, allowing it to heat up due to electrical resistance. This heating can then be used to warm the water in the beaker, providing a more controlled heating element compared to an open flame.

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