Practical: investigate the specific heat capacity of a substance
2 marks · EasyA student heats a 0.25 kg aluminium block from 20 °C to 40 °C, supplying 2,200 J of energy. Calculate the specific heat capacity of aluminium.
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440 J/kg °C (±5)
Also accept: 440 J/kg°C
Common mistakes: 2200/(0.25 * 20) = 440; putting Δθ=20 instead of 20
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Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · Uses c = ΔQ / (m × Δθ) with correct values (follow-through)
A1 · 1 mark · Correct answer: 440 J/kg °C (accept 435–445) (follow-through)
Worked solution
Substitute: ΔQ = 2200 J, m = 0.25 kg, Δθ = 20 °C