Practical: investigate the specific heat capacity of a substance

4 marks · Normal

A student records the following data in a specific heat capacity experiment on a 0.30 kg block of material:

(a)

Calculate the change in temperature of the block.

[1 mark]

(b)

Calculate the energy supplied by the heater.

[2 marks]

(c)

Use your answers to calculate the specific heat capacity of the material.

[1 mark]

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) 16 °C

(b) 8,400 J

Common mistakes: Incorrect subtraction for Δθ; Unit confusion for energy; Forgetting to convert mass to kg

Show mark scheme and worked solution

Marking points

B1 (a) · 1 mark · Correctly finds Δθ = final temperature - initial temperature

M1 (b) · 1 mark · Substitutes values into Q = V × I × t

A1 (b) · 1 mark · Correct value for energy supplied (8,400 J)

A2 (c) · 1 mark · Correct answer for c (1,750 J/kg °C) with correct substitution and units (follow-through)

Worked solution

a) Change in temperature Δθ = final temperature − initial temperature

b) Q = V × I × t

c) c = Q / (m × Δθ)