Lab # 8 - Specific Heat Capacity
Lab # 8 - Specific Heat Capacity
Lab# : 8
Skill: M&M
Aim: To find the specific heat capacity of a piece of metal using the method of mixtures.
Related Theory:
Specific heat capacity, c, of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the
temperature of 1kg of a substance by 1 degree. Each and every substance requires a
different amount of heat to raise its temperature by 1 degree.
The method of mixtures is based on the law of conservation of energy and suggest that
when bodies of different temperatures are mixed, the heat energy lost by one body is the
heat gained by others. In this experiment a heated piece of metal and tap water are
mixed. The heat lost by the heated metal is gained by the tap water and its containers.
The specific heat capacity of the metal, c m, will be calculated from the formula (m c
ΔT) metal = (m c ΔT) water, assuming that the heat is absorbed by the container is
negligible. From the equation, c metal = (m c ΔT) water / (m ΔT) metal
Thermometer (1)
2
Diagram of setup:
Method:
1. Weigh and record the mass of the metal
3. Half fill the cup with tap water and weigh and record its mass
5. Heat the metal in the heating pot for about five minutes at about 500 degrees
6. Measure and record the temperature of the heating water of the metal
7. Using the string jerk water free of the metal and quickly transfer it to the water
Results:
Mass of metal, m m =
Mass of water, m w = ?
3
Taking measurements: temperature
Initial temperature of water, 1 =
Calculations:
m w = m ( c + w) − m c =
T w = f − 1 =
ΔT m = m − f =
𝑚𝑤 × 𝑐𝑤 × ∆𝑇𝑤
cm = =
𝑚𝑚 × ∆𝑇𝑚
Discussion:
Explain how the value of specific heat capacity affects thermal conduction.
Conclusion
Predict the name of the metal
Reflection: