A student carried out an experiment to measure the specific latent heat of fusion of ice - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 2 - 2014
Question 2
A student carried out an experiment to measure the specific latent heat of fusion of ice. The following is an extract from her report.
"I got ice which was at 0 °C ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student carried out an experiment to measure the specific latent heat of fusion of ice - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 2 - 2014
Step 1
Draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus used in this experiment.
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Answer
To draw a labelled diagram:
Include a calorimeter filled with water.
Label a thermometer placed inside the calorimeter to measure temperature.
Include ice represented within the calorimeter.
Indicate additional details such as an insulation layer or an electronic balance on the side. Ensure all components are clearly labelled to show how they interact in the experiment.
Step 2
What measurements would the student have taken for this experiment?
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The measurements taken would include:
The mass of the ice (before melting).
The initial temperature of the ice (which is 0 °C).
The mass of water in the calorimeter.
The initial and final temperatures of the water to determine the temperature change.
The final mass of the water after all the ice has melted.
Step 3
How was the ice crushed?
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The ice was crushed using a manual method, such as placing the ice in a plastic bag and hitting it with a hammer or blended using a blender. This was to ensure the ice was broken into smaller pieces for faster melting.
Step 4
Why was the ice crushed?
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Crushing the ice increases the surface area, allowing it to melt faster when added to the warm water. This is essential to obtain accurate measurements of the latent heat of fusion.
Step 5
Why was the experiment repeated?
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The experiment was repeated to ensure reliability and accuracy of the results. By conducting multiple trials, the student could confirm that the observed results were consistent and could rule out any potential errors from a single trial.
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