Practical: investigate the specific heat capacity of a substance
2 marks · EasyExplain why it is important to use insulation when measuring the specific heat capacity of a substance.
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To reduce thermal energy loss to the surroundings and improve accuracy.
Also accept: It stops heat escaping so that more energy goes into raising the temperature of the substance.; Prevents loss of heat to surroundings and gives a more accurate value for specific heat capacity.
Common mistakes: To keep it warm; To measure temperature better
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States that insulation reduces energy/heat loss to environment
B2 · 1 mark · Links reduced heat loss to greater accuracy/reliability in measuring specific heat capacity
Worked solution
Insulation reduces the loss of thermal energy to the surroundings so more of the supplied energy is used to heat the substance. This makes the measurement of specific heat capacity more accurate.