Specific Heat Capacity Lab

Measuring thermal quantities by the method of mixture

Megi Gjermeni

1
Background Research
Specific heat capacity is denoted as “the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of
1 gram of a substance by one Celsius degree” (Levere). The objective of the lab report is to
evaluate the specific heat capacity of copper. The instrument used for measuring it is a
Calorimeter; nevertheless, for this particular experiment, we will employ the formula:
𝑄 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝑇
Where:
Q → Heat in Joules (𝐽)
m → Mass in Kilograms (𝑘𝑔)
c → Specific Heat Capacity in Joules per Kilogram Kelvin (𝐽/𝑘𝑔𝐾)
∆𝑇 → Change in Temperature (Final Temperature - Initial Temperature) in Kelvin (𝐾)

This experiment is conducted using the metric units of grams (g) for mass and degrees celsius
(°C) for temperature. The measurements are then translated to kilograms and Kelvin, which
are the standard units in the International System of Units (SI).

To determine the specific heat capacity of copper, we can equal the amount of heat lost by the
copper block to the amount of heat received by the water, considering that they have different
initial temperatures.
− 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 = 𝑄𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑

Where:
− 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 → The amount of heat lost by the Copper blocks

𝑄𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 → The amount of heat gained by the water

By inserting the original equation for specific heat capacity, this equation may be rearranged
to get the specific heat capacity of copper.

− 𝑚𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟(𝑇𝑓 − 𝑇𝑖, 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟) = 𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟(𝑇𝑓 − 𝑇𝑖, 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟)

Variables
Independent variable (IV) → The variable that is manipulated between trials and has an
effect on the dependent variable.

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 For this experiment, my independent variable is time. The time is measured in seconds (s),
using a stopwatch with a precision of (± 0. 01𝑠), in intervals of 15s, until a total of 330s is
recorded. These intervals will enable us to ascertain the exact time at which the mixture
reaches its equilibrium temperature, as well as clearly illustrate the subsequent rise and drop
in temperature. The temperature measurement stopped at 330s since it had already achieved
the state of thermal equilibrium, and was afterwards experiencing a gradual decrease.
Dependent variable (DV) → The variable being measured and is influenced by the
independent variable.
My dependent variable is the temperature of the mixture. The temperature is measured in °𝐶
using a thermometer (± 0. 5°𝐶). By applying unit analysis, the temperature can be converted
to Kelvin. The temperature was measured for the duration of 330s, and the measurements
were recorded every 15s interval (0s, 15s, 30s, 45s, 60s and so on).
Controlled variables (CV) → The variables that remain constant and do not change over the
whole duration of the experiment.

Controlled What is it? Why will it be controlled? How will it be controlled?

Variable

1. The mass of the block Any alteration to the formula Throughout the experiment, the two
would result in the data becoming blocks with the measured mass
inaccurate and incorrect since the remained unchanged from the
primary equation relies on the mass beginning to the end.
(m).

2. The mass of the water The heat transmission between the Using a scale to determine the initial
in the cup mixture would be impacted, mass of the water in the cups without
resulting in a different final altering it by the addition or removal
equilibrium. of water.

3. The room The insulation of the cup will be To ensure accurate results, the
temperature impacted by temperature changes. experiment was conducted in a
Higher temperatures will speed up controlled setting. This included
water evaporation, while colder selecting a room and taking measures
temperatures can alter the to minimise external factors that may
equilibrium temperature of the influence the room temperature, such
final product. as closing windows to prevent the
impact of strong winds and ensuring
that no air conditioning or heating
devices were in use.

4. The devices for Various thermometers, as well as The equipment used throughout the
measuring data the stopwatch and scale used to experiment for measuring the mass,
measure the mass of the blocks, temperature, and time intervals will
cups, and water, have varying stay constant during the whole

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 uncertainties to minimise random experiment.
errors and enhance systematic
ones.

5. The cups & their It assesses whether the Throughout the experiment, maintain
insulation environment is adequately consistency by using the same two
insulated or not. Any alteration to cups and insulating them with
the container or insulation aluminium foil from the beginning to
throughout the experiment will the end.
result in varying quantities of heat
being released into the surrounding
environment, impacting the final
temperature of the mixture.

6. The initial A difference in the temperature of To ensure that the copper blocks are at
temperature of the the copper blocks would result in a about equivalent temperatures, they
two copper blocks greater degree of error in our final should be placed in the same water
results. This variation would affect bath for an equal duration and
the accuracy of the initial removed immediately.
temperature measurement, thereby
impacting the calculation of the
equilibrium temperature.

Hypothesis
After the initial drop of the copper blocks into the water cups, the temperature will rapidly
rise until it reaches its peak, after which it will gradually decrease as the mixture cools down,
eventually reaching the equilibrium room temperature. This phenomenon occurs due to their
difference in initial temperatures. The realistic value of the specific heat capacity of copper is
385𝐽/𝑔°𝐶 (Experiment 3B - Specific Heat of Copper). At the end of the experiment, the
deducted value should be close to the realistic value of the experiment. However, this may
not be correct since there are many unaccounted elements in the experiment and we have no
influence over them. The first element would be heat loss, as it can occur naturally due to the
environment (Pisupati). Furthermore, there is no record of the temperature variation of the
copper blocks from the moment they are taken out of the water bath until they are immersed
in the water. During this transition in the air, heat evaporates, resulting in a decrease in their
initial temperature from the assumed value that we intend to maintain throughout the
experiment. This is because there is no precise method to correctly detect the temperature of
the block prior to its immersion in the water. In addition, the styrofoam cups are not
adequately insulated, since aluminium foil is utilised to reduce heat loss. However, the cups
are not completely insulated, resulting in thermal energy being lost from the water to the
surrounding environment and air. The unaccounted loss of thermal energy is attributed to the

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assumption that the water alone absorbs thermal energy from the blocks, which is not
accurate given the experimental circumstances indicated earlier. Due to the presence of these
uncontrolled factors, I predict that the computed heat capacity of copper will be inaccurate
and will exhibit a significant percentage error compared to the accepted figure. Over time, the
temperature will gradually rise until it reaches its peak, after which it will gradually decline
till it achieves a state of equilibrium with the room temperature.

Material List
1. Two copper blocks, with a combined mass of (144. 87 ± 0. 01)𝑔
2. Two styrofoam cups, with a combined mass of (2. 15 ± 0. 01)𝑔
3. Water bath capable of heating water (85 ± 0. 1)°𝐶
4. Water sample (39. 82 ± 0. 01)𝑔, at an initial temperature of (24. 0 ± 0. 5)°𝐶
5. Scale ± 0. 01𝑔
6. Thermometer ± 0. 5°𝐶
7. Stopwatch ± 0. 01𝑠
8. String to hang the copper blocks in the water bath
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9. Aluminium foil to cover the rim of the styrofoam cups 100. 05𝑐𝑚
10. Pencil/Pen
11. Paper to record the data

Fig 1: Styrofoam Calorimeter (Megi)

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Procedure
1. The workplace has been cleared, with all materials collected and any items not
included in the materials list have been removed.
2. The two copper blocks were placed on a scale and their mass was recorded
(144. 87 ± 0. 01)𝑔.
3. The two copper blocks were attached with a string and hung in the water bath.
4. The water bath was heated until it reached the temperature of (85 ± 0. 1)°𝐶.
5. Two cups of styrofoam were stacked up together and their mass was recorded
(2. 15 ± 0. 01)𝑔.
6. An amount of water was poured in the styrofoam cups.
7. The mass of the styrofoam cups filled up with water was measured.
8. To get the mass of the water, the mass of the empty styrofoam cup was subtracted
from the total mass of the cups filled with water, giving the result of
(39. 82 ± 0. 01)𝑔.
9. The two cups were surrounded with aluminium foil.
10. The thermometer was inserted into the cups to determine the initial temperature of the
water, which was (24. 0 ± 0. 5)°𝐶.
11. As soon as the water bath reached the temperature of (85 ± 0. 1)°𝐶, the two Copper
blocks were immediately taken and carefully put into the water cup.
12. The area of the cup's rim was wrapped in aluminium foil.
13. The temperature of the mixture was recorded, for intervals of 15s, until the
temperature stopped dropping (at 330s).
14. The copper blocks were cautiously removed from the styrofoam cups and returned to
the water bath.
15. The station is tidied up, with the styrofoam cups and aluminium being properly
disposed of.

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 Table 1: Raw Data Table

Time (s) (±0.01s) Temperature of Mixture (°C) (±0.5°C)

0 24

15 32

30 38

45 39

60 40

75 40

90 40

105 40

120 40

135 40

150 40

165 40

180 40

195 39

210 39

225 39

240 39

255 39

270 38.5

285 38.5

300 38

315 37.5

330 37

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To calculate the Percentage Uncertainty of Temperature:

Percentage Uncertainty of Temperature (± %) Example:

∆𝑇 ∆𝑇
∆𝑇 = 𝑇
× 100% ∆𝑇 = 𝑇
× 100%

Where ∆𝑇 is the percentage error of ∆𝑇 =

0.5
× 100%
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temperature (± %)
∆𝑇 = ± 2. 08%
T is the temperature (°C)

Identical calculations were performed for all the percentage uncertainties of the temperature.

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 Table 2: Manipulated Data Table

Time (s) (±0.01s) Temperature of Mixture (°C) Percentage Uncertainty of

(±0.5°C) Temperature (± %)

0 24 2.08

15 32 1.56

30 38 1.32

45 39 1.28

60 40 1.25

75 40 1.25

90 40 1.25

105 40 1.25

120 40 1.25

135 40 1.25

150 40 1.25

165 40 1.25

180 40 1.25

195 39 1.28

210 39 1.28

225 39 1.28

240 39 1.28

255 39 1.28

270 38.5 1.30

285 38.5 1.30

300 38 1.32

315 37.5 1.33

330 37 1.35

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 Calculations
The mass of the copper blocks (g) → 𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = (144. 87 ± 0. 01)𝑔

The mass of water (g) → 𝑚𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = (39. 82 ± 0. 01)𝑔

The specific heat capacity of copper (J/g°C) → 𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = (? ± ?)𝐽/𝑔°𝐶

The specific heat capacity of water (J/g°C) → 𝑐𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = (4. 184 ± 0. 160)𝐽/𝑔°𝐶

The initial temperature of the copper blocks (°C) → 𝑇𝑖, 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = (85. 5 ± 0. 1)°𝐶

The initial temperature of water (°C) → 𝑇𝑖, 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = (24. 00 ± 0. 50)°𝐶

The final temperature of the mixture (°C) → 𝑇𝑓 = (40. 00 ± 0. 50)°𝐶

Calculating the Specific Heat Capacity of Copper

To calculate the specific heat capacity of Copper, we use the following formula:
− 𝑚𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟(𝑇𝑓 − 𝑇𝑖, 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟) = 𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟(𝑇𝑓 − 𝑇𝑖, 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟)

The change in Temperature of Copper Propagating the Uncertainty

△𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = 𝑇𝑓 − 𝑇𝑖, 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 ∆△𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = ∆𝑇𝑓 + ∆𝑇𝑖, 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟

Where △𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 represents the change in temperature Where ∆ denotes the uncertainties of the values

of copper, measured in °C ∆△𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 is the uncertainty of the change in

Example: temperature of copper, measured in ± °𝐶

△𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = 40. 00°𝐶 − 85. 50°𝐶 Example:

△𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = − 45. 50°𝐶 ∆△𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = ± 0. 5°𝐶 + ± 0. 1°𝐶

∆△𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = ± 0. 6°𝐶

The change in Temperature of Water Propagating the Uncertainty

△𝑇𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝑇𝑓 − 𝑇𝑖, 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 ∆△𝑇𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = ∆𝑇𝑓 + ∆𝑇𝑖, 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

Where △𝑇𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 represents the change in temperature ∆△𝑇𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 is the uncertainty of the change in

of water, measured in °C temperature of water, measured in ± °𝐶

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Example: Example:
△𝑇𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 40. 00°𝐶 − 24. 00°𝐶 ∆△𝑇𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = ± 0. 5°𝐶 + ± 0. 5°𝐶

△𝑇𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 16. 00°𝐶 ∆△𝑇𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = ± 1. 0°𝐶

The product of the Mass and the Specific Heat Propagating the Uncertainty
Capacity of Water ∆𝑚𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 ∆𝑐𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
∆𝑋 = ( 𝑚𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
+ 𝑐𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
) ×𝑋
𝑋 = 𝑚𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 × 𝑐𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

∆𝑋 is the uncertainty of the product of the mass of

Where X represents the product of the mass of water
water and the specific heat capacity of water,
and the specific heat capacity of water, measured in
measured in ± 𝐽/°𝐶
𝐽/°𝐶
Example:
Example:
±0.010𝑔 ±0.160𝐽/𝑔°𝐶
∆𝑋 = ( 39.820𝑔
+ 4.184𝐽/𝑔°𝐶
) × 166. 610𝐽/°𝐶
𝑋 = 39. 820𝑔 × 4. 184𝐽/𝑔°𝐶
𝑋 = 166. 610𝐽/°𝐶 ∆𝑋 = ± 6. 413𝐽/°𝐶

The amount of energy lost by the water Propagating the Uncertainty

∆𝑋 ∆△𝑇𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
𝑄𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝑋 × △𝑇𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 ∆𝑄𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = ( + ) × 𝑄𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
𝑋 △𝑇𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

Where 𝑄𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 represents the amount of energy lost by ∆𝑄𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 is the uncertainty of the amount of energy
the water, measured in J lost by the water, measured in ± 𝐽
Example:
Example:
𝑄𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 166. 610𝐽/°𝐶 × 16. 00°𝐶 ±6.413𝐽/°𝐶 ±1.000°𝐶
∆𝑄𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = ( 166.610𝐽/°𝐶 + 16.000°𝐶
) × 2665. 710𝐽
𝑄𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 2665. 71𝐽
∆𝑄𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = ± 269. 213𝐽

The product of the Mass and the Change in

Propagating the Uncertainty
Temperature of Copper
∆𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 ∆△𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟
𝑌 = 𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 × △𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 ∆𝑌 = ( 𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟
+ △𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟
) × 𝑌

Where Y represents the product of the mass and the ∆𝑌 is the uncertainty of the product of the mass and
change in temperature of copper, measured in 𝑔°𝐶 the change in temperature, measured in ± 𝑔°𝐶

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Example: Example:
𝑌 = 144. 87𝑔 × (− 45. 50°𝐶) ±0.01𝑔 0.60°𝐶
∆𝑌 = ( 144.87𝑔 + −45.50°𝐶
) × (− 6591. 58𝑔°𝐶)
𝑌= − 6591. 58𝑔°𝐶
∆𝑌 = ± 86. 47𝑔°𝐶

The Specific Heat Capacity of Water

Propagating the Uncertainty
− 𝑄𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝑌 × 𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 ∆𝑄𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 ∆𝑌
∆𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = ( 𝑄𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
+ 𝑌
) × 𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟

This formula can be rearranged to: ∆𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 is the Specific Heat Capacity of Copper,
−𝑄𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = measured in ± 𝐽/𝑔°𝐶
𝑌
Example:
Example:
±269.213𝐽 ±86.47𝑔°𝐶
−2665.71𝐽 ∆𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = ( 2665.71𝐽
+ −6591.58𝑔°𝐶
) × 0. 40𝐽/𝑔°𝐶
𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = −6591.56𝑔°𝐶
∆𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = ± 0. 04𝐽/𝑔°𝐶
𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 = 0. 40𝐽/𝑔°𝐶

Unit Analysis
With the use of unit analysis, we are able to convert the results to SI units, as displayed
below:
0.40𝐽 1000𝑔
1𝑔°𝐶
× 1𝑘𝑔
= 400𝐽/𝑘𝑔𝐾

Propagating the Uncertainty

±0.04𝐽 1000𝑔
1𝑔°𝐶
× 1𝑘𝑔
= ± 40𝐽/𝑘𝑔𝐾

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Graphs

Figure 2 graphically displays the relationship between the temperature of mixture (°𝐶) and
Time (s). This graph has no outliers. The temperature rises rapidly, until it reaches 40°𝐶,
which is the maximum temperature. When the timer hits 180s, the temperature starts to drop.
The temperature exhibits a gradual decline from 180s to 330s. This gradual decrease in
temperature is due to the heat loss of water. The decrease of temperature leads to the heat of
copper and heat of water reaching thermal equilibrium. If the experiment was conducted for a
longer period of time, the temperature would continue to decrease, until it reached thermal
equilibrium with the room temperature (24°𝐶). As there was no obvious relationship between
the variables, a regression line could not be set up.

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Figure 3 is an extrapolation of the graph previously displayed (Figure 2). This extrapolated
graph eases the calculation process of the temperature change of the mixture (∆𝑇). By
graphically exhibiting all the points, a linear trendline can be added. This linear trendline will
aid in the process of precisely calculating the change in temperature (∆𝑇). As it is exhibited in
the section of calculations, the formula for calculating the change in temperature is
(𝑇𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 − 𝑇𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙). This linear trendline is created for the purpose of going through all the

points where the temperature is decreasing and extrapolating it to estimate the highest
temperature. As displayed on the graph, the equation of the linear trendline is:
𝑇= − 0. 0053𝑡 + 40
This line clearly shows the y-intercept (0,40), or the maximum temperature reached, which
also accounts as the equilibrium temperature. This point can be considered as the final
temperature (𝑇𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙).

However, to find the initial temperature (𝑇𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙), we can just look at the y-intercept of the

graph (0,24). It is unnecessary to generate another trend line and extrapolate it, since the
existing line already intersects the y-intercept at the beginning.
∆𝑇 = 𝑇𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 − 𝑇𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙

∆𝑇 = 40°𝐶 − 24°𝐶
∆𝑇 = 16°𝐶

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This result in the change of temperature is further supported by my calculations done in the
calculation section of the lab report, as both ways the change in temperature is 16°𝐶.

Conclusion
The objective of this experiment was to ascertain the value of the specific heat capacity of
copper, and compare the calculated value with the real one. The experiment focused on
immersing two heated copper blocks, into room temperature water, to find their equilibrium
temperature. This will result in the possibility of calculating the value of the specific heat
capacity of copper. My hypothesis suggested that the calculated value for the specific heat
capacity of copper would not precisely match the accepted figure owing to uncontrolled
variables like heat dissipation caused by the surroundings. However, the experiment was
successful in terms of the dependability of my findings. The real value of the specific heat
capacity of copper was previously stated (385𝐽/𝑔°𝐶), and my calculated value was
400𝐽/𝑘𝑔𝐾 with an uncertainty of ± 40𝐽/𝑘𝑔𝐾. This may be attributed to the uncontrolled
variables exerting little impact on the experimental configuration, hence leading to the
attainment of a realistic approximation. In order to provide a more precise result, the
experiment may have been replicated several times to determine if the mistakes were mostly
random or systematic in character. In general, the experiment's findings confirm my
hypothesis, since the computed value closely approximated the accepted value. However, the
accuracy was not perfect owing to uncontrolled variables and limitations in the experimental
procedure.

Evaluation
In order to assess the experiment, I will examine the percentage error between the actual and
observed values of the final result. This analysis will help me identify whether there were
more random or systematic errors present.
𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑−𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑙
%𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑙
× 100
0.400−0.385
%𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 0.385
× 100

%𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 3. 896%
The percentage error of my value is relatively smaller, indicating that the experiment
conducted had a greater presence of random error compared to systematic error. However, it
remains difficult to assess the systematic error accurately due to the limited number of trials

15
completed. This indicates that the calculated number is appropriately correct. However, it is
hard to determine its precision based on a single trial and calculation set.
A fundamental limitation of this experiment is the presence of several uncontrolled variables,
since the experiment lacks control over outside factors. The presence of these variables has
the potential to possess an effect on the findings, hence complicating the process of isolating
the actual impact of the independent variable under research. In this experiment, the Copper
block may experience loss of energy as a result of environmental factors. This energy is lost
during the transfer of the Copper from the water bath to the water cups. This results in an
error between the initial temperature of the blocks and the value used for calculations. In
addition, we failed to consider the amount of heat lost to the surroundings during the time the
copper blocks were placed within the styrofoam cup. Despite our usage of aluminium foil, we
could not achieve ideal insulation for the cups. This weakness affects the dependability and
accuracy of the experiment's conclusions, since the outcomes may be influenced by these
uncontrolled factors. Another limitation arises from the thermometer's low accuracy, which
introduces random error. When we read the temperature using a thermometer, there is a
considerable possibility that we could have misread the thermometer, leading to imprecise
measurements. Using an electronic thermometer would fix this issue.
However, one notable strength of the experiment is that the obtained result closely aligns with
the recognized value, despite the presence of the mentioned drawbacks. Moreover, a benefit
lies in the use of a wide range of equipment, particularly the measuring devices used. By
using a water bath, we were able to get an accurate initial measurement of the copper blocks.
Despite some thermal energy being lost throughout the process, the resulting value remained
in close proximity to the reference value. In addition, all the measuring instruments used to
determine amounts were digital, which increased their accuracy and improved the results of
the experiment.
An expansion of this experiment might include investigating the specific heat capacity of
many different metals. The same experimental setup may be used, but with different metals,
to determine distinct heat capacities for each metal. An alternative approach to this
experiment would include selecting a metal with a lower melting point and use it to
determine the latent heat capacity of a metal.

16
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Experiment 3B - Specific Heat of Copper,

[Link]

25_SpecificHeatofCopper_Lab3B.pdf. Accessed 17 March 2024.

“,.” , - YouTube, 6 January 2023,

[Link]

eat-loss. Accessed 17 March 2024.

Levere, Trevor H. “Specific heat | Definition & Facts.” Britannica, 21 February 2024,

[Link] Accessed 14 March 2024.

Pisupati, Sarma. “Mechanisms of Heat Loss or Transfer | EGEE 102: Energy Conservation

and Environmental Protection.” Dutton Institute,

[Link] Accessed 17 March 2024.

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