Specific Heat Capacity Lab data and processing
Extracts from this document...
Introduction
Justin Germani Specific Heat Capacity January 24, 2012
Data:
Object 1
Mass m/g ∆m = ±0.1 g | Temperature T/ (°C) ∆T= ±0.1°C | |||
initial | final | change | ||
Object | 62.3 | 100.3 | 26.4 | -73.9 |
Aluminum Calorimeter w/ water | 156.5 | 23.1 | 26.4 | +03.3 |
water | 114.0 | - | - | - |
Object 2
Mass m/g ∆m = ±0.1 g | Temperature T/ (°C) ∆T= ±0.1°C | |||
initial | final | change | ||
Object | 34.5 | 100.6 | 29.2 | -71.4 |
Aluminum Calorimeter w/ water | 155.6 | 26.2 | 29.2 | +03.0 |
water | 113.1 | - | - | - |
Object 3
Mass m/g |
Middle
+06.3
water
112.9
-
-
-
For each table above:
∆- represents uncertainty
-mass of Aluminum Calorimeter is 42.5g
Sample Calculations:
Calculate specific heat capacity (c):
Object 1
Q lost by block = Q gained by water + Q gained by Al
0.0623(c)(-73.9) = 0.114(4200)(03.3) + 0.0425(910)(03.3)
c = 371 J/kg/°C (3 significant figures)
Results:
Specific Heat Capacity c / JKg-1°C-1 | |
Object 1 | 370.9 |
Object 2 | 625.6 |
Object 3 | 318.9 |
Data:
Freezing Aluminum block
Mass m/g ∆m = ±0.1 g | Temperature T/ (°C) ∆T= ±0.1°C | |||
initial | final | change | ||
Aluminum block | 62.3 | 16.2 | ||
Aluminum calorimeter | 46.5 | - | - | - |
Aluminum Calorimeter w/ water | 156.5 | 19.7 | 16.2 | -03.5 |
water | 114.0 | - | - | - |
Calculate Initial Temperature of Aluminum block:
Q
Conclusion
The % difference of object two was very large at 31.3% this could be due to random error but more likely due to the block not being fully submerged as I mentioned earlier.
The value of the percentage difference for Object3 which was Copper was relatively high at 17.2%,
In order to improve upon the experiment a scale that measures up to a higher mass such as 500g. Another method to improve the experiment would be to add more water to the calorimeter in order to insure the block was fully submerged. Another improvement that could be made would be to not drop the blocks into the calorimeter and therefore minimize the risk of losing water after the mass was taken.
This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our International Baccalaureate Physics section.
Found what you're looking for?
- Start learning 29% faster today
- 150,000+ documents available
- Just £6.99 a month