Practical: investigate the specific heat capacity of a substance
4 marks · NormalA student carries out an experiment to measure the specific heat capacity of a piece of copper metal using the apparatus below.
State the equation used to calculate the energy supplied by the heater.
The student measures the following values: - Mass of copper, - Voltage supplied by heater, - Current through heater, - Heating time, - Initial temperature, - Final temperature, Calculate the specific heat capacity of copper found by the experiment.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
(a) or
(b) 1339 J/kg °C (to 3 sf) J/kg °C
Common mistakes: Incorrect rearrangement of the equation; Omitting temperature change or using wrong units
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States correct equation for supplied energy: Q = VI t or equivalent.
M1 (b) · 1 mark · Uses or writes down correct equation for specific heat capacity or correct rearrangement. (follow-through)
M2 (b) · 1 mark · Calculates the energy supplied (Q = V × I × t) and temperature change. (follow-through)
A1 (b) · 1 mark · Substitutes correct values and evaluates c correctly to 2 or 3 significant figures. (follow-through)
Worked solution
a) The energy supplied by the heater is calculated using:
b) Calculate energy supplied:
Temperature change:
Use specific heat capacity formula and rearrange: