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A student carried out an experiment to measure the specific heat capacity of a substance - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 2 - 2010
Question 2
A student carried out an experiment to measure the specific heat capacity of a substance. The following is an extract from her report. "I set up the apparatus. I to... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student carried out an experiment to measure the specific heat capacity of a substance - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 2 - 2010
Step 1
Draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus used in the experiment.
Answer
To draw the apparatus:
- Begin with a block of metal placed in a calorimeter filled with liquid.
- Show a heating element (e.g., coil) connected to a power supply.
- Include a thermometer or digital temperature sensor inside the calorimeter to measure temperature changes.
- Add an electronic balance on the side for weighing the substance, making sure to label each component clearly.
Step 2
Describe how the mass of the substance was determined.
Answer
The mass of the metal block was determined using an electronic balance. The block was placed on the balance, and its mass was recorded. Alternatively, the mass can be measured by submerging the block in water and using the water displacement method, focusing on the difference in weight.
Step 3
What other measurements did the student take during the experiment?
Answer
The student measured:
- The initial and final temperatures of the liquid in the calorimeter to determine the temperature change.
- The total energy supplied, recorded in joules using a voltmeter to ensure accurate voltage measurements.
- The mass of the calorimeter before and after the experiment to account for any heat loss.
Step 4
Give the formula used to calculate the specific heat capacity of the substance.
Answer
The formula for calculating the specific heat capacity ( c) is given by:
where:
- is the heat energy transferred, measured in joules,
- is the mass of the substance in grams,
- is the temperature change in degrees Celsius.
Step 5
Give a precaution that the student should have taken to get an accurate result.
Answer
To ensure accuracy, the student should have insulated the calorimeter to minimize heat loss to the environment. Additionally, they should have allowed the thermometers and the metal block to reach uniform temperatures before taking measurements.