To estimate the specific heat capacity of water

Apparatus

Timer and plastic electric jug kettle (with power rating marked on it).

Procedure

• Read the power rating (wattage) P of the kettle.
• Fill the kettle with cold water to the one litre mark.
• Take the temperature of the water $θ_1$.
• Switch on the kettle for 50 s.
• Read the temperature $θ_2$.

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To estimate the specific heat capacity of water

Calculations

Mass of water: $m_w = :highlight[1] kg$

Rise in temperature of water: $\Delta\theta = \theta_2 - \theta_1 =$

The electrical energy produced by the kettle $Pt =$

If it is assumed that all the electrical energy went into heating the water, then

$Pt = m \Delta\theta$

$\Rightarrow c = \frac{Pt}{m_w \Delta\theta} = \text{ Specific heat capacity of water.}$

This gives a reasonable value for $c$.

Notes