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
To determine the specific heat capacity of vegetable oil, the student could follow these steps:
Measure the mass of the vegetable oil: Use a top pan balance to accurately weigh the beaker containing the vegetable oil.
Measure the initial temperature: Insert a thermometer into the vegetable oil and record its initial temperature.
Heat the oil: Connect the electric heater to the beaker and turn it on to heat the oil.
Monitor the temperature: Continuously check the temperature and record the highest temperature reached after a set duration of heating.
Calculate energy transferred: Use the energy transfer equation, E = mcΔT, where m is the mass of the oil, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature.
Determine the specific heat capacity: Rearranging the equation gives c = E / (mΔT), allowing the student to compute the specific heat capacity once they have measured all necessary values.
Step 2
Give one risk when using the equipment in Figure 2.
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Answer
One risk when using the equipment in Figure 2 is the potential for burns or scalds due to contact with hot oil or broken glass from the beaker.
Step 3
Write down the equation linking energy transferred (E), power (P) and time (t).
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Answer
The equation linking energy transferred (E), power (P), and time (t) is given by:
P=tE
or equivalently,
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 formula for power:
E=P×t
Substituting the values:
4750=50×t
Solving for t gives:
t=504750=95exts.
Step 5
What electrical component is used to monitor the temperature of the vegetable oil?
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Answer
The electrical component used to monitor the temperature of the vegetable oil is a 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, when the electric heating element switched off, the temperature of the vegetable oil was approximately 160 °C. Referring to Figure 3, this corresponds to a resistance of about 250 ohms.
Step 7
Why is this a physical change? Tick (✓) one box.
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Answer
The change from water to steam is a physical change because:
✓ The water will recover its original properties if the steam is cooled.
