Measurement of the specific heat capacity of a metal by an electrical method

Physics Experiments

Apparatus

Joulemeter, block of metal, heating coil to match, beaker, lagging, thermometer accurate to 0.1 °C, glycerol, electronic balance and a low voltage a.c. supply.

Procedure

• Find the mass of the metal block m.

• Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram.

• Record the initial temperature θ₁ of the metal block.

• Plug in the joulemeter and switch it on.

• Zero the joulemeter and allow current to flow until there is a temperature rise of 10 °C.

• Switch off the power supply, allow time for the heat energy to spread throughout the metal block and record the highest temperature θ₂.

• The rise in temperature Δθ is therefore θ₂ - θ₁.

• Record the final joulemeter reading Q.

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Measurement of the specific heat capacity of a metal by an electrical method

Results

Measurement	Symbol	Value
Mass of metal block	$m$	=
Initial temperature of the block	$θ_1$	=
Final temperature of the block	$θ_2$	=
Rise in temperature	$Δθ$	= $θ_2 - θ_1$ =
Final joulemeter reading	$Q$	=