Experiment to measure the Specific Heat Capacity of Water

        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 thermometer reading.
• The mass of the Aluminium should be weighed, and the changing temperature of Aluminium should equal the change in the temperature of water.

To improve the results, some measures could be taken:

• The current/thermometer reading should be more precise and taken by more/different people.
• The amount of water should be precisely 20ml and in the experiment repeat be exactly equal.
• The time should be exactly precise.
• The voltage could be changed to try to equal the normal shc of water.
• The calorimeter should have a separate insulator, so that the aluminium could be easily weighed,

Q    = M   C  

C    = 900J/kg/ºC