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

(→‎Method)
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#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]] a minimum of 6 times.
 
#Record the [[reading]] on the [[Joulemeter]] with every 2°C increase in [[temperature]] a minimum of 6 times.
 +
#Plot a [[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 this graph 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.
 +
 +
====Improving [[Precision]]====
 +
: Use a [[thermometer]] with a higher [[resolution]].
 +
: Use a [[Data Logger|data logger]] rather than a [[thermometer]].
 +
 +
===Experiment Version 1b===
 +
====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.
 +
|}
 +
 +
#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 [[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 this graph 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.
 +
 +
====Improving [[Precision]]====
 +
: Use a [[thermometer]] with a higher [[resolution]].
 +
: Use a [[Data Logger|data logger]] rather than a [[thermometer]].
 +
 +
===Experiment Version 2a===
 +
====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.
 +
|}
 +
 +
#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 [[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 this graph 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.
 +
 +
====Improving [[Precision]]====
 +
: Use a [[thermometer]] with a higher [[resolution]].
 +
: Use a [[Data Logger|data logger]] rather than a [[thermometer]].
 +
 +
===Experiment Version 2a===
 +
====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.
 +
|}
 +
 +
#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 [[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 this graph will be the [[mass]] multiplied by the [[Specific Heat Capacity|specific heat capacity]] (mc).
  
 
====Improving [[Accuracy]]====
 
====Improving [[Accuracy]]====

Revision as of 19:40, 18 March 2019

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Determining the specific heat capacity of a metal block.

Experiment Version 1a

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. Attach a Joulemeter and power supply to an immersion heater.
  2. Place the immersion heater and the thermometer in holes in the metal block.
  3. Place a drop of water in the thermometer hole to ensure thermal contact between the thermometer and the metal block.
  4. Read and record the initial temperature of the metal block.
  5. Switch on the power supply.
  6. Record the reading on the Joulemeter with every 2°C increase in temperature a minimum of 6 times.
  7. Plot a 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 this graph 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.

Improving Precision

Use a thermometer with a higher resolution.
Use a data logger rather than a thermometer.

Experiment Version 1b

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. Attach a Joulemeter and power supply to an immersion heater.
  2. Place the immersion heater and the thermometer in holes in the metal block.
  3. Place a drop of water in the thermometer hole to ensure thermal contact between the thermometer and the metal block.
  4. Read and record the initial temperature of the metal block.
  5. Switch on the power supply.
  6. Record the reading on the thermometer with every 1000J shown on the joulemeter a minimum of 6 times.
  7. Plot a 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 this graph 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.

Improving Precision

Use a thermometer with a higher resolution.
Use a data logger rather than a thermometer.

Experiment Version 2a

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. Connect an Ammeter, power supply and immersion heater in series.
  2. Connect a voltmeter in parallel to the 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, 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.
  7. Use the equation \(E = IVt\) to calculate the energy supplied to the metal block.
  8. Plot a 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 this graph 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.

Improving Precision

Use a thermometer with a higher resolution.
Use a data logger rather than a thermometer.

Experiment Version 2a

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. Connect an Ammeter, power supply and immersion heater in series.
  2. Connect a voltmeter in parallel to the 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, start a stopwatch and record the readings on the Voltmeter and Ammeter.
  7. Read and record the temperature on the thermometer every 30 seconds on the stopwatch a minimum of 6 times.
  8. Use the equation \(E = IVt\) to calculate the energy supplied to the metal block.
  9. Plot a 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 this graph 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.

Improving Precision

Use a thermometer with a higher resolution.
Use a data logger rather than a thermometer.
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