Electric method to determine Specific Heat Capacity Of Water

Amy & Elaine

Diagram and set of equipment

Steps to be followed

• Find the mass of water (mw)

• Set the equipment as the diagram shown .

• Insert the thermometer and heat the cool water until the temperature rises and record the change in temperature (∆T) and from the joule meter to see the change in heat (∆Q)

• Use the equation Q=cm ∆T to determine the heat capacity of water

Method to collect date

• Mw = mass of the calorimeter with water (m1) – mass of the empty calorimeter(m2)

• ∆T= initial temperature – final temperature

• ∆Q= initial heat energy- final heat energy

TableMass of water

(kilogram)

Chang in temperature (∆T)

(°C)

Chang in heat (∆Q)

(J)

Use Q=cm∆T

C of water

( J/(kg· °C) )

mw

mw

mw

mw

mw

Safety measures

• Wearing safety goggles.

• Do not touch the calorimeter when it is on heating. Wearing gloves.

•

Method to reduce random error

• Error: The specific heat capacity of water is less in experiments is less because heat energy is lost to air and surroundings. The lost energy can me minimized by insulating the container.

• Way to reduce: To use a lid on tightly to reduce the loss of heat.

• To do as many times as you can in the time available using different masses of water.