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Difference between revisions of "GCSE Physics Required Practical: Determining Specific Heat Capacity"

(Created page with "==Key Stage 4== ===Meaning=== Determining the specific heat capacity of a metal block. ===Experiment Version 1a=== ====Variables==== : Indepe...")
 
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==Key Stage 4==
 
==Key Stage 4==
 +
{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loeRLKNeUsc}}
 
===Meaning===
 
===Meaning===
 
Determining the [[Specific Heat Capacity|specific heat capacity]] of a [[metal]] block.
 
Determining the [[Specific Heat Capacity|specific heat capacity]] of a [[metal]] block.
  
−
===Experiment Version 1a===
+
===Experiment Version 1a: Joulemeter Changing the Temperature===
 
====Variables====
 
====Variables====
 
: [[Independent Variable]]: The [[temperature]] of the [[metal]] block.
 
: [[Independent Variable]]: The [[temperature]] of the [[metal]] block.
Line 17: Line 18:
 
|}
 
|}
  
 +
#[[Measure]] the [[mass]] of the [[metal]] block using an [[Electronic Balance|electronic balance]].
 
#Attach a [[Joulemeter]] and [[Power Supply|power supply]] to an [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]].
 
#Attach a [[Joulemeter]] and [[Power Supply|power supply]] to an [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]].
 
#Place the [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]] and the [[thermometer]] in holes in the [[metal]] block.
 
#Place the [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]] and the [[thermometer]] in holes in the [[metal]] block.
Line 22: Line 24:
 
#[[Reading|Read]] and record the initial [[temperature]] of the [[metal]] block.
 
#[[Reading|Read]] and record the initial [[temperature]] of the [[metal]] block.
 
#Switch on the [[Power Supply|power supply]].
 
#Switch on the [[Power Supply|power supply]].
−
#Record the [[reading]] on the [[Joulemeter]] with every 2°C increase in [[temperature]].
+
#Record the [[reading]] on the [[Joulemeter]] with every 2°C increase in [[temperature]] a minimum of 6 times.
 +
#Plot a [[Scatter Graph|scatter graph]] with [[energy]] on the [[y-axis]] and [[temperature]] on the [[x-axis]].
 +
: Given the equation <math>E_T=mc \Delta \theta</math> then the [[gradient]] of the [[Line of Best Fit|line of best fit]] will be the [[mass]] multiplied by the [[Specific Heat Capacity|specific heat capacity]] (mc).
  
 
====Improving [[Accuracy]]====
 
====Improving [[Accuracy]]====
Line 28: Line 32:
 
: Wrap the [[metal]] block a [[Thermal Insulator|thermal insulator]] to reduce the [[Thermal Energy Store|thermal energy]] lost to the [[air]].
 
: Wrap the [[metal]] block a [[Thermal Insulator|thermal insulator]] to reduce the [[Thermal Energy Store|thermal energy]] lost to the [[air]].
 
: Complete the [[experiment]] in [[temperature]] range close to [[Room Temperature|room temperature]] to reduce the rate of [[Energy Transfer|energy transfer]] from the [[metal]] block to the surroundings.
 
: Complete the [[experiment]] in [[temperature]] range close to [[Room Temperature|room temperature]] to reduce the rate of [[Energy Transfer|energy transfer]] from the [[metal]] block to the surroundings.
 +
: Place the [[Electronic Balance|electronic balance]] on a flat, level surface to get an [[accurate]] reading of the [[mass]].
  
 
====Improving [[Precision]]====
 
====Improving [[Precision]]====
−
: Use a [[thermometer]] with a higher [[resolution]].
+
: Use a [[Data Logger|data logger]] rather than a [[thermometer]] to reduce the [[Random Error|random error]] caused by humans mistakes.
−
: Use a [[Data Logger|data logger]] rather than a [[thermometer]].
+
: Ensure the immersion heater and block begin at [[Room Temperature|room temperature]] to reduce the error in repeat readings.
 +
: Ensure the thickness and type of [[Thermal Insulator|insulator]] is used for every repeat measurement reduce the error in repeat readings.
 +
 
 +
===Experiment Version 1b: Joulemeter Changing the Energy===
 +
====Variables====
 +
: [[Independent Variable]]: The [[energy]] supplied to the [[metal]] block by [[heating]].
 +
: [[Dependent Variable]]: The [[temperature]] of the [[metal]] block.
 +
: [[Control Variable]]s: The [[mass]] of the [[metal]] block.
 +
 
 +
====Method====
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
|[[File:RequiredPracticalSHC1.png|center|600px]]
 +
|-
 +
| style="height:20px; width:200px; text-align:center;" |A [[diagram]] of the [[apparatus]] used in an [[experiment]] to find the [[Specific Heat Capacity|specific heat capacity]] of a [[metal]] block.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
#[[Measure]] the [[mass]] of the [[metal]] block using an [[Electronic Balance|electronic balance]].
 +
#Attach a [[Joulemeter]] and [[Power Supply|power supply]] to an [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]].
 +
#Place the [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]] and the [[thermometer]] in holes in the [[metal]] block.
 +
#Place a drop of [[water]] in the [[thermometer]] hole to ensure [[Thermal Contact|thermal contact]] between the [[thermometer]] and the [[metal]] block.
 +
#[[Reading|Read]] and record the initial [[temperature]] of the [[metal]] block.
 +
#Switch on the [[Power Supply|power supply]].
 +
#Record the [[reading]] on the [[thermometer]] with every 1000J shown on the [[joulemeter]] a minimum of 6 times.
 +
#Plot a [[Scatter Graph|scatter graph]] with [[temperature]] on the [[y-axis]] and [[energy]] on the [[x-axis]].
 +
: Given the equation <math>E_T=mc \Delta \theta</math> then the [[gradient]] of the [[Line of Best Fit|line of best fit]] will be <math>\dfrac{1}{mc}</math> where m = [[mass]] and c = [[Specific Heat Capacity|specific heat capacity]].
 +
 
 +
====Improving [[Accuracy]]====
 +
: Place the [[metal]] block on a [[Heatproof Mat|heatproof mat]] to reduce the [[Thermal Energy Store|thermal energy]] lost to the table surface by [[Thermal Conduction|conduction]].
 +
: Wrap the [[metal]] block a [[Thermal Insulator|thermal insulator]] to reduce the [[Thermal Energy Store|thermal energy]] lost to the [[air]].
 +
: Complete the [[experiment]] in [[temperature]] range close to [[Room Temperature|room temperature]] to reduce the rate of [[Energy Transfer|energy transfer]] from the [[metal]] block to the surroundings.
 +
: Place the [[Electronic Balance|electronic balance]] on a flat, level surface to get an [[accurate]] reading of the [[mass]].
 +
 
 +
====Improving [[Precision]]====
 +
: Use a [[Data Logger|data logger]] rather than a [[thermometer]] to reduce the [[Random Error|random error]] caused by humans mistakes.
 +
: Ensure the immersion heater and block begin at [[Room Temperature|room temperature]] to reduce the error in repeat readings.
 +
: Ensure the thickness and type of [[Thermal Insulator|insulator]] is used for every repeat measurement reduce the error in repeat readings.
 +
 
 +
===Experiment Version 2a: Ammeter, Voltmeter and Stopwatch Changing the Temperature===
 +
====Variables====
 +
: [[Independent Variable]]: The [[temperature]] of the [[metal]] block.
 +
: [[Dependent Variable]]: The [[time]] over which [[energy]] is supplied to the [[metal]] block.
 +
: [[Control Variable]]s: The [[mass]] of the [[metal]] block. The [[power]] of the [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]].
 +
 
 +
====Method====
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
|[[File:RequiredPracticalSHC2.png|center|600px]]
 +
|-
 +
| style="height:20px; width:200px; text-align:center;" |A [[diagram]] of the [[apparatus]] used in an [[experiment]] to find the [[Specific Heat Capacity|specific heat capacity]] of a [[metal]] block.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
#[[Measure]] the [[mass]] of the [[metal]] block using an [[Electronic Balance|electronic balance]].
 +
#Connect an [[Ammeter]], [[Power Supply|power supply]] and [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]] in [[Series Circuit|series]].
 +
#Connect a [[voltmeter]] in [[Parallel Circuit|parallel]] to the [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]].
 +
#Place the [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]] and the [[thermometer]] in holes in the [[metal]] block.
 +
#Place a drop of [[water]] in the [[thermometer]] hole to ensure [[Thermal Contact|thermal contact]] between the [[thermometer]] and the [[metal]] block.
 +
#[[Reading|Read]] and record the initial [[temperature]] of the [[metal]] block.
 +
#Switch on the [[Power Supply|power supply]], start a [[stopwatch]] and record the [[reading]]s on the [[Voltmeter]] and [[Ammeter]].#Record the [[time]] on the [[stopwatch]] with every 2°C increase in [[temperature]] a minimum of 6 times.
 +
#Use the equation <math>E = IVt</math> to calculate the [[energy]] supplied to the [[metal]] block.
 +
#Plot a [[Scatter Graph|scatter graph]] with [[energy]] on the [[y-axis]] and [[temperature]] on the [[x-axis]].
 +
: Given the equation <math>E_T=mc \Delta \theta</math> then the [[gradient]] of the [[Line of Best Fit|line of best fit]] will be the [[mass]] multiplied by the [[Specific Heat Capacity|specific heat capacity]] (mc).
 +
 
 +
====Improving [[Accuracy]]====
 +
: Place the [[metal]] block on a [[Heatproof Mat|heatproof mat]] to reduce the [[Thermal Energy Store|thermal energy]] lost to the table surface by [[Thermal Conduction|conduction]].
 +
: Wrap the [[metal]] block a [[Thermal Insulator|thermal insulator]] to reduce the [[Thermal Energy Store|thermal energy]] lost to the [[air]].
 +
: Complete the [[experiment]] in [[temperature]] range close to [[Room Temperature|room temperature]] to reduce the rate of [[Energy Transfer|energy transfer]] from the [[metal]] block to the surroundings.
 +
: Place the [[Electronic Balance|electronic balance]] on a flat, level surface to get an [[accurate]] reading of the [[mass]].
 +
 
 +
====Improving [[Precision]]====
 +
: Use a [[Data Logger|data logger]] rather than a [[thermometer]] to reduce the [[Random Error|random error]] caused by humans mistakes.
 +
: Ensure the immersion heater and block begin at [[Room Temperature|room temperature]] to reduce the error in repeat readings.
 +
: Ensure the thickness and type of [[Thermal Insulator|insulator]] is used for every repeat measurement reduce the error in repeat readings.
 +
 
 +
===Experiment Version 2b: Ammeter, Voltmeter and Stopwatch Changing the Time===
 +
====Variables====
 +
: [[Independent Variable]]: The [[time]] over which [[energy]] is supplied to the [[metal]] block.
 +
: [[Dependent Variable]]: The [[temperature]] of the [[metal]] block.
 +
: [[Control Variable]]s: The [[mass]] of the [[metal]] block. The [[power]] of the [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]].
 +
 
 +
====Method====
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
|[[File:RequiredPracticalSHC2.png|center|600px]]
 +
|-
 +
| style="height:20px; width:200px; text-align:center;" |A [[diagram]] of the [[apparatus]] used in an [[experiment]] to find the [[Specific Heat Capacity|specific heat capacity]] of a [[metal]] block.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
#[[Measure]] the [[mass]] of the [[metal]] block using an [[Electronic Balance|electronic balance]].
 +
#Connect an [[Ammeter]], [[Power Supply|power supply]] and [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]] in [[Series Circuit|series]].
 +
#Connect a [[voltmeter]] in [[Parallel Circuit|parallel]] to the [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]].
 +
#Place the [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]] and the [[thermometer]] in holes in the [[metal]] block.
 +
#Place a drop of [[water]] in the [[thermometer]] hole to ensure [[Thermal Contact|thermal contact]] between the [[thermometer]] and the [[metal]] block.
 +
#[[Reading|Read]] and record the initial [[temperature]] of the [[metal]] block.
 +
#Switch on the [[Power Supply|power supply]], start a [[stopwatch]] and record the [[reading]]s on the [[Voltmeter]] and [[Ammeter]].
 +
#[[Reading|Read]] and record the [[temperature]] on the [[thermometer]] every 30 seconds on the [[stopwatch]] a minimum of 6 times.
 +
#Use the equation <math>E = IVt</math> to calculate the [[energy]] supplied to the [[metal]] block.
 +
#Plot a [[Scatter Graph|scatter graph]] with [[temperature]] on the [[y-axis]] and [[energy]] on the [[x-axis]].
 +
: Given the equation <math>E_T=mc \Delta \theta</math> then the [[gradient]] of the [[Line of Best Fit|line of best fit]] will be <math>\dfrac{1}{mc}</math> where m = [[mass]] and c = [[Specific Heat Capacity|specific heat capacity]].
 +
 
 +
====Improving [[Accuracy]]====
 +
: Place the [[metal]] block on a [[Heatproof Mat|heatproof mat]] to reduce the [[Thermal Energy Store|thermal energy]] lost to the table surface by [[Thermal Conduction|conduction]].
 +
: Wrap the [[metal]] block a [[Thermal Insulator|thermal insulator]] to reduce the [[Thermal Energy Store|thermal energy]] lost to the [[air]].
 +
: Complete the [[experiment]] in [[temperature]] range close to [[Room Temperature|room temperature]] to reduce the rate of [[Energy Transfer|energy transfer]] from the [[metal]] block to the surroundings.
 +
: Place the [[Electronic Balance|electronic balance]] on a flat, level surface to get an [[accurate]] reading of the [[mass]].
 +
 
 +
====Improving [[Precision]]====
 +
: Use a [[Data Logger|data logger]] rather than a [[thermometer]] to reduce the [[Random Error|random error]] caused by humans mistakes.
 +
: Ensure the immersion heater and block begin at [[Room Temperature|room temperature]] to reduce the error in repeat readings.
 +
: Ensure the thickness and type of [[Thermal Insulator|insulator]] is used for every repeat measurement reduce the error in repeat readings.

Latest revision as of 09:51, 25 October 2019

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Determining the specific heat capacity of a metal block.

Experiment Version 1a: Joulemeter Changing the Temperature

Variables

Independent Variable: The temperature of the metal block.
Dependent Variable: The energy supplied to the metal block by heating.
Control Variables: The mass of the metal block.

Method

RequiredPracticalSHC1.png
A diagram of the apparatus used in an experiment to find the specific heat capacity of a metal block.
  1. Measure the mass of the metal block using an electronic balance.
  2. Attach a Joulemeter and power supply to an immersion heater.
  3. Place the immersion heater and the thermometer in holes in the metal block.
  4. Place a drop of water in the thermometer hole to ensure thermal contact between the thermometer and the metal block.
  5. Read and record the initial temperature of the metal block.
  6. Switch on the power supply.
  7. Record the reading on the Joulemeter with every 2°C increase in temperature a minimum of 6 times.
  8. Plot a scatter graph with energy on the y-axis and temperature on the x-axis.
Given the equation \(E_T=mc \Delta \theta\) then the gradient of the line of best fit will be the mass multiplied by the specific heat capacity (mc).

Improving Accuracy

Place the metal block on a heatproof mat to reduce the thermal energy lost to the table surface by conduction.
Wrap the metal block a thermal insulator to reduce the thermal energy lost to the air.
Complete the experiment in temperature range close to room temperature to reduce the rate of energy transfer from the metal block to the surroundings.
Place the electronic balance on a flat, level surface to get an accurate reading of the mass.

Improving Precision

Use a data logger rather than a thermometer to reduce the random error caused by humans mistakes.
Ensure the immersion heater and block begin at room temperature to reduce the error in repeat readings.
Ensure the thickness and type of insulator is used for every repeat measurement reduce the error in repeat readings.

Experiment Version 1b: Joulemeter Changing the Energy

Variables

Independent Variable: The energy supplied to the metal block by heating.
Dependent Variable: The temperature of the metal block.
Control Variables: The mass of the metal block.

Method

RequiredPracticalSHC1.png
A diagram of the apparatus used in an experiment to find the specific heat capacity of a metal block.
  1. Measure the mass of the metal block using an electronic balance.
  2. Attach a Joulemeter and power supply to an immersion heater.
  3. Place the immersion heater and the thermometer in holes in the metal block.
  4. Place a drop of water in the thermometer hole to ensure thermal contact between the thermometer and the metal block.
  5. Read and record the initial temperature of the metal block.
  6. Switch on the power supply.
  7. Record the reading on the thermometer with every 1000J shown on the joulemeter a minimum of 6 times.
  8. Plot a scatter graph with temperature on the y-axis and energy on the x-axis.
Given the equation \(E_T=mc \Delta \theta\) then the gradient of the line of best fit will be \(\dfrac{1}{mc}\) where m = mass and c = specific heat capacity.

Improving Accuracy

Place the metal block on a heatproof mat to reduce the thermal energy lost to the table surface by conduction.
Wrap the metal block a thermal insulator to reduce the thermal energy lost to the air.
Complete the experiment in temperature range close to room temperature to reduce the rate of energy transfer from the metal block to the surroundings.
Place the electronic balance on a flat, level surface to get an accurate reading of the mass.

Improving Precision

Use a data logger rather than a thermometer to reduce the random error caused by humans mistakes.
Ensure the immersion heater and block begin at room temperature to reduce the error in repeat readings.
Ensure the thickness and type of insulator is used for every repeat measurement reduce the error in repeat readings.

Experiment Version 2a: Ammeter, Voltmeter and Stopwatch Changing the Temperature

Variables

Independent Variable: The temperature of the metal block.
Dependent Variable: The time over which energy is supplied to the metal block.
Control Variables: The mass of the metal block. The power of the immersion heater.

Method

RequiredPracticalSHC2.png
A diagram of the apparatus used in an experiment to find the specific heat capacity of a metal block.
  1. Measure the mass of the metal block using an electronic balance.
  2. Connect an Ammeter, power supply and immersion heater in series.
  3. Connect a voltmeter in parallel to the immersion heater.
  4. Place the immersion heater and the thermometer in holes in the metal block.
  5. Place a drop of water in the thermometer hole to ensure thermal contact between the thermometer and the metal block.
  6. Read and record the initial temperature of the metal block.
  7. Switch on the power supply, start a stopwatch and record the readings on the Voltmeter and Ammeter.#Record the time on the stopwatch with every 2°C increase in temperature a minimum of 6 times.
  8. Use the equation \(E = IVt\) to calculate the energy supplied to the metal block.
  9. Plot a scatter graph with energy on the y-axis and temperature on the x-axis.
Given the equation \(E_T=mc \Delta \theta\) then the gradient of the line of best fit will be the mass multiplied by the specific heat capacity (mc).

Improving Accuracy

Place the metal block on a heatproof mat to reduce the thermal energy lost to the table surface by conduction.
Wrap the metal block a thermal insulator to reduce the thermal energy lost to the air.
Complete the experiment in temperature range close to room temperature to reduce the rate of energy transfer from the metal block to the surroundings.
Place the electronic balance on a flat, level surface to get an accurate reading of the mass.

Improving Precision

Use a data logger rather than a thermometer to reduce the random error caused by humans mistakes.
Ensure the immersion heater and block begin at room temperature to reduce the error in repeat readings.
Ensure the thickness and type of insulator is used for every repeat measurement reduce the error in repeat readings.

Experiment Version 2b: Ammeter, Voltmeter and Stopwatch Changing the Time

Variables

Independent Variable: The time over which energy is supplied to the metal block.
Dependent Variable: The temperature of the metal block.
Control Variables: The mass of the metal block. The power of the immersion heater.

Method

RequiredPracticalSHC2.png
A diagram of the apparatus used in an experiment to find the specific heat capacity of a metal block.
  1. Measure the mass of the metal block using an electronic balance.
  2. Connect an Ammeter, power supply and immersion heater in series.
  3. Connect a voltmeter in parallel to the immersion heater.
  4. Place the immersion heater and the thermometer in holes in the metal block.
  5. Place a drop of water in the thermometer hole to ensure thermal contact between the thermometer and the metal block.
  6. Read and record the initial temperature of the metal block.
  7. Switch on the power supply, start a stopwatch and record the readings on the Voltmeter and Ammeter.
  8. Read and record the temperature on the thermometer every 30 seconds on the stopwatch a minimum of 6 times.
  9. Use the equation \(E = IVt\) to calculate the energy supplied to the metal block.
  10. Plot a scatter graph with temperature on the y-axis and energy on the x-axis.
Given the equation \(E_T=mc \Delta \theta\) then the gradient of the line of best fit will be \(\dfrac{1}{mc}\) where m = mass and c = specific heat capacity.

Improving Accuracy

Place the metal block on a heatproof mat to reduce the thermal energy lost to the table surface by conduction.
Wrap the metal block a thermal insulator to reduce the thermal energy lost to the air.
Complete the experiment in temperature range close to room temperature to reduce the rate of energy transfer from the metal block to the surroundings.
Place the electronic balance on a flat, level surface to get an accurate reading of the mass.

Improving Precision

Use a data logger rather than a thermometer to reduce the random error caused by humans mistakes.
Ensure the immersion heater and block begin at room temperature to reduce the error in repeat readings.
Ensure the thickness and type of insulator is used for every repeat measurement reduce the error in repeat readings.
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