A student made measurements to determine the specific heat capacity of vegetable oil - AQA - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 2
A student made measurements to determine the specific heat capacity of vegetable oil.
Figure 2 shows the equipment used.
Describe how the student could use the equ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student made measurements to determine the specific heat capacity of vegetable oil - AQA - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe how the student could use the equipment shown in Figure 2 to determine the specific heat capacity of vegetable oil.
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Answer
Measure the mass of vegetable oil: Use the top pan balance to accurately weigh the empty beaker, then add the vegetable oil, and measure the total mass. Subtract the mass of the beaker to get the mass of the oil alone.
Set up the experiment: Place the beaker containing vegetable oil on the electric heater. Insert the thermometer into the oil to monitor the temperature.
Start heating: Turn on the electric heater and record the temperature at regular intervals as the oil heats up until it reaches a specific temperature.
Record energy input: If available, use the joulemeter to measure the energy supplied by the electric heater during the heating process.
Calculate specific heat capacity: Apply the formula
E=mcheta
where E is the energy transferred to the oil, m is the mass of the oil, c is the specific heat capacity, and heta is the change in temperature, to find the specific heat capacity of the vegetable oil.
Step 2
Give one risk when using the equipment in Figure 2.
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Answer
Burns/scalds may occur if the hot beaker or oil is handled carelessly.
Step 3
Write down the equation linking energy transferred (E), power (P) and time (t).
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Answer
E=P×t
Step 4
Calculate the time taken for the electric element to transfer 4750 joules of energy to the vegetable oil.
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Answer
Using the equation
P=tE,
we can rearrange this to find time:
t=PE.
Here, E = 4750 joules and P = 50 watts. Substituting in, we find:
t=504750=95 seconds.
Step 5
What electrical component is used to monitor the temperature of the vegetable oil?
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Answer
Thermistor.
Step 6
Determine the resistance of the electrical component when the electric heating element switched off.
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Answer
From Figure 4, we see that the corresponding temperature when the element switched off is 160°C. Referring to Figure 3, at 160°C, the resistance is approximately 250 ohms.
Step 7
Why is this a physical change? Tick (✓) one box.
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Answer
The change from water to steam can be detected visually.
