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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 a labelled diagram of the apparatus, include the following key components:
- Block of Metal: This is the substance whose specific heat capacity is being measured.
- Calorimeter: Used to hold the liquid and measure temperature changes.
- Heating Coil: Connected to a power supply to heat the metal block.
- Thermometer: To measure the temperature of the liquid.
- Insulation: Surrounding the calorimeter to minimize heat loss.
- Electronic Balance: To measure the mass of the metal block (if applicable).
Make sure to label each component clearly, indicating how they connect to each other.
Step 2
Describe how the mass of the substance was determined.
Answer
The mass of the substance (the metal block) can be determined using an electronic balance. The process involves:
- Taring the balance with the empty calorimeter to zero out its weight.
- Placing the metal block directly into the calorimeter.
- Recording the displayed weight on the electronic balance, which gives the mass of the metal block accurately.
Step 3
What other measurements did the student take during the experiment?
Answer
In addition to measuring the mass of the metal block, other measurements taken by the student include:
- Initial Temperature: The temperature of the water in the calorimeter before heating.
- Final Temperature: The temperature of the water after heating the metal block.
- Joule Output of the Heating Element: This is often measured in watts, ensuring that the energy supplied can be calculated.
- The total mass of the calorimeter to determine the overall heat capacity of the system.
Step 4
Give the formula used to calculate the specific heat capacity of the substance.
Answer
The formula to calculate the specific heat capacity ( ext{c}) is:
c = rac{Q}{m imes riangle T}
Where:
- is the amount of heat energy absorbed or released (in joules).
- is the mass of the substance (in kilograms).
- is the change in temperature (in degrees Celsius).
Step 5
Give a precaution that the student should have taken to get an accurate result.
Answer
To ensure accurate results, the student should have taken precautions against heat loss. This can be achieved by:
- Using a well-insulated calorimeter to minimize heat exchange with the environment.
- Allowing sufficient time for thermal equilibrium to be reached before taking temperature measurements.
- Ensuring that the thermometer is calibrated and placed correctly in the liquid to get precise temperature readings.