Aim
To measure the specific heat capacity of water capacity of water by applying heat to it
(by means of heating element inside a calorimeter) and measuring the corresponding
change in temperature
Abstract
This experiment aimed to determine the specific heat capacity of water using an electric
heating method. A known mass of water was heated inside a calorimeter using an
electric heating element, and the temperature was recorded at regular time intervals.
The relationship between the heat supplied and temperature change was analyzed
using the formula Q=mcΔTQ = mc\Delta TQ=mcΔT, where Q=VIΔtQ = VI\Delta
tQ=VIΔt. The recorded temperature readings showed a steady increase over time. From
the graph of heat supplied versus temperature change, the specific heat capacity of
water was calculated and compared to the theoretical value. Minor discrepancies were
attributed to heat loss and measurement limitations
Introduction
Specific heat capacity is defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise the
temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one degree Celsius (or one Kelvin). It is
a fundamental thermal property that varies from one material to another and plays a
crucial role in understanding how substances absorb and store thermal energy.
Water is known to have a relatively high specific heat capacity, approximately 4,186
J/kg·°C, which means it can absorb a lot of heat before its temperature rises
significantly. This property makes water highly effective in applications such as climate
regulation, industrial cooling systems, and biological processes.
The aim of this practical is to experimentally determine the specific heat capacity of
water. This will be achieved by supplying a known quantity of electrical energy to a
measured mass of water and recording the corresponding temperature change over a
set period. The electrical energy supplied is calculated using the formula:
Q = IVt
where:
Q is the heat energy transferred (in joules),
I is the current (in amperes),
V is the potential difference (in volts),
t is the time (in seconds) for which the current flows.
Using the heat energy value, the specific heat capacity $c$ can be calculated using the
formula:
Q = mcΔT
Rearranging the equation gives:
Q
c=
m ΔT
where:
m is the mass of water (in kilograms),
ΔT is the change in temperature of the water (in °C).
This experiment involves the use of a calorimeter or an insulated container, an
immersion heater, a thermometer, an ammeter, a voltmeter, and a stopwatch. The
setup ensures that most of the electrical energy supplied goes into heating the water,
although some heat may be lost to the surroundings. By minimizing these losses and
accurately recording measurements, a reasonably precise value for the specific heat
capacity of water can be obtained.
This practical reinforces key concepts in thermodynamics, energy transfer, and
experimental design, while also highlighting the importance of accurate measurement
and error analysis in physical investigations.
Apparatus
• Calorimeter
• Voltage supplier
• Glass beaker
• spark lxi
• Thermometer
• Connecting wires
• Weighing balance
Method
1. The mass of an empty glass beaker was measured using a digital balance.
2. Water was added to the beaker, and the combined mass was recorded. The
mass of water was obtained by subtracting the mass of the empty beaker.
3. The water was poured into the inner cup of the calorimeter.
4. A thermometer was inserted into the water to record the initial temperature.
5. The heating element (spark lxi) was placed in the water and connected to the
voltage supplier using connecting wires.
6. A multimeter was used to measure the current, and the voltage was read from
the power supply.
7. The temperature was recorded at 60-second intervals for 20 minutes (1200
seconds).
8. The electrical energy supplied at each time interval was calculated using
Q=VIΔtQ = VI\Delta tQ=VIΔt.
9. A graph of QQQ versus ΔT\Delta TΔT was plotted, and the slope was used to
calculate the specific heat capacity of water using the relation:
c=slopemc = \frac{\text{slope}}{m}c=mslope
Results
Time Tempe
(s) r
0 22.2
60 22.6
120 23
180 23.5
240 24
300 24.6
360 25.1
420 25.6
480 26.2
540 26.6
600 27.2
660 27.6
720 28
780 28.5
840 28.9
900 29.3
960 29.6
1020 30
1080 30.3
1140 30.7
1200 31.1
Temperature(c) vs Time (s)
35
30
25
Temperature (c)
20
15
10
5
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
Time (s)
Temper
Conclusion
The experiment successfully demonstrated the relationship between heat energy and
temperature change for water. The temperature increased steadily over time, confirming
the proportionality between heat input and temperature rise. Using the plotted data and
equations, the specific heat capacity of water was determined and compared with the
accepted value of 4,186 J/kg·°C. Minor discrepancies could be due to heat losses to the
environment, inaccurate insulation, or instrument errors. Nonetheless, the experiment
illustrated the core principles of heat transfer and the effectiveness of calorimetry in
determining thermal properties.