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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

...read more.

Middle

34.4

+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

image00.png

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

...read more.

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.

...read more.

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