Table of Contents:
1. Objective of the Experiment
2. Introductions
3. Equipment
4. Procedure
5. Calculation
6. Results
7. Common errors
8. Discussion questions
9. References
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Objective of the Experiment:
The fundamental objective of this experiment is to practically investigate the thermal
properties of matter by determining the specific heat capacity of liquids (specifically water)
using the electrical heating method. This laboratory work aims to enhance the physical
understanding of the energy conservation principle and the efficiency of its conversion from
electrical energy (measured via voltage and current) into absorbed thermal energy that results
in a temperature increase. Furthermore, the experiment is designed to develop precision
measurement and circuit connection skills, while enabling the student to perform graphical
data analysis to derive physical constants through slope calculation. By establishing the
relationship between supplied energy and thermal change, the study concludes by comparing
experimental findings with international reference values to evaluate error margins and the
effectiveness of the insulation system.
Introduction
Specific Heat Capacity (C) is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one
unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius or Kelvin. It is typically expressed in
J/kg.^{\circ}C. This experiment aims to determine this value for water by converting
electrical energy into thermal energy.
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Equipment
1. Power Supply: Provides the electrical energy.
2. Voltmeter & Ammeter: To measure voltage (V) and current (I).
3. Insulated Cup: To minimize heat loss.
4. Thermometer: To monitor temperature changes.
5. Stopwatch & Wires: For timing and electrical connections.
Procedure
1. Measure a specific mass (m) of distilled water and place it in the insulated cup.
2. Connect the voltmeter and ammeter to the circuit.
3. Turn on the power and record the steady voltage and current readings.
4. Stir the water continuously to ensure uniform heating.
5. Record the temperature every 120 seconds for 10 minutes.
Calculation
Where :
• P : power (Watt)
• I : current (Ampere)
• V : voltage (Volt)
• E : energy (J)
• m : mass of water (kg)
• T: temperature difference between two successive readings (*C)
• t : time difference between two successive readings (sec)
• C : specific heat capacity (J/kg.C)
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Results
1. Data Points for Graphing :
The relationship is based on the formula: I . V . (t - to) = m . (T - To).
• Y-axis: Electrical Energy ( y )= I . V .(t - to)
• X-axis: Heat Change Factor ( x )= m(T - To)
Assuming m = 0.2kg and initial values to = 0, To = 21 C
[Link] Calculation of the Slope
The specific heat capacity C represents the slope of the curve. Using the first and last data
points for maximum accuracy:
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[Link] Analysis
• Calculated Value: The specific heat capacity obtained is 3417.9 J/kg.C.
• Reference Comparison: When comparing the calculated C with standard references (Water
CP)= (4184 J/kg.C), there is a visible discrepancy.
• Justification: This difference is primarily attributed to experimental errors such as heat loss
to the surroundings and the heat absorbed by the calorimeter (cup and thermometer) itself.
Common errors
1. Heat Loss: Heat escaping to the surroundings despite insulation.
2. Thermometer Lag: The time delay for the thermometer to record the actual temperature
change.
3. Mass Measurement Error: Inaccuracy in recording the actual mass "m" of the water
added.
4. Electrical Fluctuations: Instability in voltage (V) or current (I) readings during the
experiment
Discussion questions
Q1: Why is an insulated cup preferred?
• A: To minimize heat loss and ensure the liquid absorbs most of the supplied energy.
• Q2: What is the effect of not stirring the water?
• A: It causes non-uniform temperature distribution, leading to inaccurate C values.
• Q3: Why record the ambient temperature T_a?
• A: To estimate the heat exchange with the environment and improve accuracy.
• Q4: Why take multiple readings every 2 minutes?
• A: To reduce random errors and obtain a more accurate slope for the graph.
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References
1. Halliday & Resnick,
Fundamentals of Physics (Principles of Specific Heat).
2. CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (Standard Reference Values for Water).
3. NIST Guide for the International System of Units (SI) (Standard Units and
Measurements).
4. Experiment Lab Manual, Specific Heat Capacity of Liquids.