Experiment to measure the Specific Heat Capacity of Water

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Experiment to measure the Specific Heat Capacity of Water

        Diagram

        Method

  • Apparatus was set up as shown in the diagram.
  • DC power supply was turned to 12 volts.
  • The calorimeter was weighed with and without water, the results were subtracted to give the water mass.
  • Initial water temperature was recorded.
  • The current was measured in the ammeter and recorded.
  • Water was left to heat for 10 minutes.
  • The final water temperature was recorded.
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        Results and Calculations

        Conclusion

We experimentally calculated the shc of water to be 7358.5 kJ/Kg/ºC. Compared to the theoretical value of the specific heat capacity of 4180 kJ/ºC, our results were considerably higher.

        Evaluation

The results showed a considerable amount of inaccuracies. These were:

  • The amount of water in the calorimeter could have affected the results by being measured imprecisely and not accurately calculated.
  • The time of the experiment could have exceeded the specified time.
  • Human error could have been present in the current reading and in the ...

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