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9 (a) Explain the difference between the term ‘specific heat capacity’ and the term ‘specific latent heat’ when applied to heating substances - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 9 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 9
9 (a) Explain the difference between the term ‘specific heat capacity’ and the term ‘specific latent heat’ when applied to heating substances. (b) Figure 19 shows s... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:9 (a) Explain the difference between the term ‘specific heat capacity’ and the term ‘specific latent heat’ when applied to heating substances - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 9 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain the difference between the term ‘specific heat capacity’ and the term ‘specific latent heat’ when applied to heating substances.
Answer
Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius (or one Kelvin) without changing its state. It is expressed in units of J/(kg·°C).
In contrast, specific latent heat is the amount of heat energy required to change the state of a substance without changing its temperature. This occurs during processes such as melting or boiling. It is expressed in units of J/kg.
In summary, specific heat capacity pertains to temperature change, while specific latent heat refers to phase change.
Step 2
Explain how the student should obtain an accurate reading for the final temperature of the water, to be used in the calculation of the specific heat capacity.
Answer
To obtain an accurate reading of the final temperature of the water, the student should follow these steps:
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Wait for thermal equilibrium: After switching off the power supply, the student should allow the water to stabilize in temperature. This is crucial as it ensures that all parts of the water reach an even temperature.
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Use appropriate measuring devices: The student should make use of a calibrated thermometer to measure the temperature accurately. The thermometer should be placed in the water without touching the sides of the container to avoid erroneous readings caused by thermal conduction.
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Record multiple readings: To ensure accuracy, the student could take several readings over a short period. This helps account for minor fluctuations and ensures that the final recorded temperature is a reliable value.
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Document the final temperature: Once the student has observed that the temperature remains constant over a brief time, they should record this final temperature, as it will be crucial for calculating the specific heat capacity.