Difference between revisions of "GCSE Physics Required Practical: Determining Specific Heat Capacity"
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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. | ||
| Line 24: | Line 25: | ||
#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]]. | + | #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 | + | : 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 31: | 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]] | + | : 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 1b: Joulemeter Changing the Energy=== | ===Experiment Version 1b: Joulemeter Changing the Energy=== | ||
| Line 50: | Line 53: | ||
|} | |} | ||
| + | #[[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 56: | Line 60: | ||
#Switch on the [[Power Supply|power supply]]. | #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. | #Record the [[reading]] on the [[thermometer]] with every 1000J shown on the [[joulemeter]] a minimum of 6 times. | ||
| − | #Plot a [[graph]] with [[ | + | #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 | + | : 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]]==== | ====Improving [[Accuracy]]==== | ||
| Line 63: | Line 67: | ||
: 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]] | + | : 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=== | ===Experiment Version 2a: Ammeter, Voltmeter and Stopwatch Changing the Temperature=== | ||
| Line 82: | Line 88: | ||
|} | |} | ||
| + | #[[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 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]]. | #Connect a [[voltmeter]] in [[Parallel Circuit|parallel]] to the [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]]. | ||
| Line 89: | Line 96: | ||
#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. | #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. | #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]]. | + | #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 | + | : 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 96: | Line 103: | ||
: 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]] | + | : 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=== | ===Experiment Version 2b: Ammeter, Voltmeter and Stopwatch Changing the Time=== | ||
| Line 115: | Line 124: | ||
|} | |} | ||
| + | #[[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 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]]. | #Connect a [[voltmeter]] in [[Parallel Circuit|parallel]] to the [[Immersion Heater|immersion heater]]. | ||
| Line 123: | Line 133: | ||
#[[Reading|Read]] and record the [[temperature]] on the [[thermometer]] every 30 seconds on the [[stopwatch]] a minimum of 6 times. | #[[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. | #Use the equation <math>E = IVt</math> to calculate the [[energy]] supplied to the [[metal]] block. | ||
| − | #Plot a [[graph]] with [[ | + | #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 | + | : 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]]==== | ====Improving [[Accuracy]]==== | ||
| Line 130: | Line 140: | ||
: 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]] | + | : 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
Contents
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
 |
| A diagram of the apparatus used in an experiment to find the specific heat capacity of a metal block. |
- Measure the mass of the metal block using an electronic balance.
- Attach a Joulemeter and power supply to an immersion heater.
- Place the immersion heater and the thermometer in holes in the metal block.
- Place a drop of water in the thermometer hole to ensure thermal contact between the thermometer and the metal block.
- Read and record the initial temperature of the metal block.
- Switch on the power supply.
- Record the reading on the Joulemeter with every 2°C increase in temperature a minimum of 6 times.
- 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
| |
| A diagram of the apparatus used in an experiment to find the specific heat capacity of a metal block. |
- Measure the mass of the metal block using an electronic balance.
- Attach a Joulemeter and power supply to an immersion heater.
- Place the immersion heater and the thermometer in holes in the metal block.
- Place a drop of water in the thermometer hole to ensure thermal contact between the thermometer and the metal block.
- Read and record the initial temperature of the metal block.
- Switch on the power supply.
- Record the reading on the thermometer with every 1000J shown on the joulemeter a minimum of 6 times.
- 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
 |
| A diagram of the apparatus used in an experiment to find the specific heat capacity of a metal block. |
- Measure the mass of the metal block using an electronic balance.
- Connect an Ammeter, power supply and immersion heater in series.
- Connect a voltmeter in parallel to the immersion heater.
- Place the immersion heater and the thermometer in holes in the metal block.
- Place a drop of water in the thermometer hole to ensure thermal contact between the thermometer and the metal block.
- Read and record the initial temperature of the metal block.
- 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.
- Use the equation \(E = IVt\) to calculate the energy supplied to the metal block.
- 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
| |
| A diagram of the apparatus used in an experiment to find the specific heat capacity of a metal block. |
- Measure the mass of the metal block using an electronic balance.
- Connect an Ammeter, power supply and immersion heater in series.
- Connect a voltmeter in parallel to the immersion heater.
- Place the immersion heater and the thermometer in holes in the metal block.
- Place a drop of water in the thermometer hole to ensure thermal contact between the thermometer and the metal block.
- Read and record the initial temperature of the metal block.
- Switch on the power supply, start a stopwatch and record the readings on the Voltmeter and Ammeter.
- Read and record the temperature on the thermometer every 30 seconds on the stopwatch a minimum of 6 times.
- Use the equation \(E = IVt\) to calculate the energy supplied to the metal block.
- 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.