Question
A student investigated the specific heat capacity of metals. (a) Describe an experiment the student could do to measure the specific he capacity of a metal.
Answer
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Vala
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
Refer to explanation.
Explanation
The student could conduct the following experiment:1. Take a block of the metal whose specific heat capacity is to be determined. 2. Attach a heating device to the metal, usually a heating coil is perfect for this.3. Attach a thermometer to the metal such that it can register its change in temperature.4. Record the original temperature of this metal block.5. Now, heat the metal for a predetermined amount of time meanwhile maintaining a constant power/energy input, and allowing no heat to escape if possible.6. After this time has elapsed, record the new temperature of the metal.7. The specific heat capacity of this metal can then be determined using the formula: Q = mcΔT where: Q is the heat supplied, m is the mass of the material, c is the specific heat capacity, ΔT is the change in temperature. 8. Rearranging the formula to find c, we have c = Q/(m*ΔT). The heat supplied (Q) can be determined from the known power of the heater and how long it was on for. Through this experiment, the specific heat capacity of the metal can be determined.