Measuring Specific Heat Capacity Through Practical Experimentation

Mr. Reese from Mars Preschool Science demonstrates a GCSE practical on measuring the specific heat capacity of materials. The experiment involves using a heater and thermometer with materials like brass, copper, and aluminum. The video explains the concept of specific heat capacity, methods to measure power, and how to graph results. It concludes with a discussion on the importance of insulation to prevent energy loss.

What is the initial temperature of the aluminium block before starting the experiment?

• 20 degrees Celsius

• 22 degrees Celsius

• 24 degrees Celsius

• 26 degrees Celsius

Which of the following is NOT a component needed to measure specific heat capacity?

• Power Supply

• Barometer

• Thermometer

• Heater

What is the unit of specific heat capacity?

• Joules per kilogram per degree Celsius

• Newtons per second

• Watts per meter

• Amperes per volt

How is power calculated using a joule meter?

• By using a thermometer

• By measuring voltage and current

• By weighing the block

• By counting flashes and dividing by time

Why is using a voltmeter and ammeter more accurate than a joule meter?

• It measures the power supply directly

• It accounts for power loss in the supply

• It is cheaper

• It is faster

What is plotted on the y-axis when graphing the results of the experiment?

• Time

• Energy

• Temperature

• Power

How do you calculate the specific heat capacity from the graph?

• By using the intercept

• By finding the slope of the line

• By counting the data points

• By measuring the area under the curve

What is the actual specific heat capacity of aluminium?

• 900 J/kg°C

• 800 J/kg°C

• 1100 J/kg°C

• 1000 J/kg°C

Why might the calculated specific heat capacity be higher than the actual value?

• The block is insulated

• The block is not insulated

• The thermometer is faulty

• The power supply is too high

What can be done to improve the accuracy of the experiment?

• Use a larger block

• Use a different material

• Increase the voltage

• Insulate the block