Specific Heat of Water

Background: The specific heat (capacity) of a substance is a property of that substance which relates how much heat energy is put into a given mass of the substance to the resulting temperature rise. It is given by the formula: Q c= mT where c = specific heat capacity; Q = heat energy; m = mass; T = change in temperature. If one substance has a higher specific heat than another, this indicates that it will need more heat energy to produce a given temperature rise in the same mass of that substance. Energy input for an electric heating element can be measured as E = Pt = VIt Where E = energy; P = power; V = potential difference; I = current; t = time Aim: To measure the specific heat of water. Method: Measure the mass of a metal calorimeter. Half fill the calorimeter with water and find the new mass. Place the calorimeter in the insulated box, put the lid on and insert a thermometer in the hole in the lid. Record the temperature of the water. Connect a 6V power supply to the heating element with an ammeter* in series. Switch on the power supply and start timing. Record the current through the heating element. Measure the potential difference across the heating element with a voltmeter*. After you have a substantial rise in temperature, switch off the power supply and record the time. ( Do not let the temperature reach 100oC.) Calculate the energy input to the calorimeter and then, assuming that Q = E, calculate the specific heat of water. *If you are using a powerpack with built-in meters, you can use these. Results: Calculate a value for the specific heat capacity of water. Compare your value with the values obtained by other groups. Compare your value with the value given in your text book. Conclusion: Compare the specific heat of water with the value given in your text book. Suggest sources of error which might explain any difference. Discuss whether your value is high or low and whether that is consistent with the sources of error which you have identified. Consider the magnitude of any discrepancy and whether that is consistent with the sources of error which you have identified.

Specific Heat of Water Practical Report Outline

Aim: Already given on practical sheet. Method: Already Given Results: What you measured Mass of calorimeter without water Mass of calorimeter with water Starting temperature Final temperature Voltage Current Time Your value 0.0582 kg 0.1351kg 25.7 38.1 6.0 3.05 300 sec

Calculations how you worked out: The mass of the water= 0.1351-0.1351=0.0769 The amount of electrical energy E = VIt =6.0*3.05*300 =5940 watts Your value for the specific heat capacity of water. C=Q/MT C=5490/0.0769*12.4 = 5757.37 Jkg-1C -1

Conclusion: Compare the specific heat of water with the value given in your text book. In the text book the value given for the specific heat of water is 4184 Jkg -1 C-1. The value that I calculated was 5757.37 Jkg -1 C-1. I think that the values that I used werent accurate enough because I rounded my numbers to the nearest two decimal places. Another reason is that we didnt know the exact time it should take to do the experiment; due to this it could have given us a different reading. The way I could improve this experiment is by conducting a longer experiment Write reasons why your value is different to the ones in the text book. Write about how accurate your results are. Suggest ways in which the experiment could be improved.

Assessment:
Criteria
I3 Manipulation of apparatus and technological tools using safe and ethical investigation procedures. I4 The obtaining, recording, and display of findings of investigations using appropriate conventions and formats. AE1 Analysis of connections between data, concepts, and issues in physics. AE2 Evaluation of procedures, with suggestions for improvements. AE3 Analysis and evaluation of data and other evidence to formulate relevant conclusions. A3 Demonstration of skills in individual and collaborative work.

Mark /5 /5 /5 /5 /5 /5 /30

Total
For each criterion: 5 = Excellent; 4 = Good; 3 = Satisfactory; 2 = below expected standard; 1 = poor; 0 = little or no evidence.