[Link] Capacity | p.

02 Heat Capacity (b) The new heat capacity of the soup

= 800 × 2 = 1600 J °C−1.
Checkpoint
By E = C∆T,
Checkpoint 1 (p.57) 44000 = (1600)(T − 25)
1. (a) No ∴ T = 52.5 °C
It is a unit of energy.
(c) See the graph below.
(b) Yes
By P = , the unit of power can be expressed
as J/s.
(c) Yes
One kilowatt (kW) = 1000 W.
2. By E = Pt, the energy transferred E in the process is
equal to the area under the P–t graph. So,
E = (3)(60 × 2) + (1)[60 × (4 − 2)] + (2)[60 × (5 − 4)] Checkpoint 3 (p.70)
= 600 kJ 1. For 2 L of water, ∆T = 5 °C
§ Remember to convert the time from minutes to For 4 L of water, ∆T = 2.5 °C
seconds when you apply E = Pt. 2. The specific heat capacity of aluminium is
3. 1: b c= = = 980 J kg−1 °C−1
A decreasing power corresponds to a decreasing
rate of energy transfer. 3. (a) The stove of water in the 2nd trial has a higher
2: a, 3: c heat capacity.
A constant power corresponds to a constant rate of (b) The stoves of water in both trials have the
energy transfer. Since graph 2 shows a higher power, same specific heat capacity.
it corresponds to a higher rate of energy transfer, i.e. (c) The peaks will shift to the right, showing that
graph a. the water takes a longer time to boil.
4. Rearranging E = Pt, we have t = .
4. (a) From C = , for the same amount of heat
(a) For the oil radiator, the time is
transferred E, we have C ∝ . So, the heat
t= = 1800 s capacities are ranked in descending order as
CX > CY > CZ
i.e. = 0.5 h or = 30 min.
(b) From c = , for the same amount of heat
(b) For the Christmas lightings, the time is
t= = 36000 s transferred E, we have c ∝ . The table
below shows the values of m∆T of the objects.
i.e. = 10 h or = 600 min.
object m∆T / kg °C
(c) For the TWO air conditioners, the time
X (7)(4) = 28
required
Y (5)(6) = 30
t= = 1200 s Z (3)(8) = 24
So, the specific heat capacities are ranked in
i.e. = h or = 20 min.
descending order as
Checkpoint 2 (p.60) cZ > cX > cY
1. For the same material, the larger the mass, the
larger the heat capacity. Thus, Checkpoint 4 (p.76)
Csea > Cpool > Cbottle of water > Ccup of water
1. (a) B
2. The energy removed is As no heat is transferred between two objects
E = C∆T = (1200)(25 − 5) = 24000 J at the same temperature, the final
3. (a) Heat capacity temperature remains unchanged.

C= = = 800 J °C−1 (b) B

The final temperature of the mixture must be
 [Link] Capacity | p.2

in between the initial temperatures of the hot 5. (a) See the graph below.
water and the cold water.
(c) B
As only a small amount of hot water is added,
the final temperature of the mixture should be
closer to the initial temperature of the cold
water.
2. C
By conservation of energy, the heat released by the § An increasing P means that energy is
hot water is equal to that absorbed by the cold transferred to the water faster and faster.
water. Hence the water gains energy (and
temperature) in an increasing rate.
3. Let T be the new temperature of the water. The
energy released by the hot water is (b) The temperature rises more rapidly at t2.
E1 = m1 c1 ∆T1 = (1.5)(4200)(100 − T)
The energy absorbed by the container is Exercise 2.2 (p.70)
E2 = C2 ∆T2 = (1200)(T − 25)
1. C
Assume no heat loss to the surroundings. By
By E = Pt and E = mc∆T,
conservation of energy, we have E1 = E2, i.e.
Pt = mc∆T
(1.5)(4200)(100 − T) = (1200)(T − 25)
7500T = 660000 ∴ c=
∴ T = 88 °C
2. (a) T
4. A thermometer should have a small heat capacity. The lower the heat capacity of the object, the
Otherwise, it will change the temperature of the less energy required to raise its temperature
target by a significant amount. by 1 °C. It means the object will be heated up
faster.
Exercise (b) F
Exercise 2.1 (p.57) The two objects may not be made of the same
1. (a) At the rate of 1 W, the total energy transferred material. The one heated up faster may have a
in one day is larger volume but a lower specific heat
capacity.
E= × × 24 h = 86400 J
(c) F
(b) The total energy given off is On the contrary, if the objects are made of the
Etotal = (5)(86400)(30) same materials, the more massive one heats
= 1296000 J up slower.
= 12.96 MJ 3. (a) By E = Pt, the total energy supplied is
2. The energy used to heat up the food is E = (2500)(125) = 312500 J = 312.5 kJ
E = (1200)(60 × 10)(1 − 0.65) = 252 kJ (b) From the graph, the final temperature of the
3. The minimum area needed is oil is 180 °C. So, the specific heat capacity of
the oil
Amin = ≈ 22.7 m2
c= =
4. (a) (1) From t = 0 to t = t1, the rate of energy
transfer to the potato decreases. = 2520 J kg−1 °C−1

(2) From t = t1 to t = t2, there is no net (c) We know that the slope of the graph
energy transfer to the potato. = = . If the mass of the oil is doubled,
(b) While gaining energy from the fireplace, the its heat capacity is doubled and hence the
hot potato loses energy to the surroundings at
the same time.
When the rate of energy gain is the same as
that of energy loss, the potato does not heat up
but stays at a constant temperature.
 [Link] Capacity | p.3

slope of the graph is halved. water (1000)(0.001)(4200) = 4200

Ranking their heat capacities in ascending
order, we have
Cair < Clead < Caluminium < Ccopper < Cwater
7. (a) The heat capacity of the air in the office is
C = mc = (10 × 10 × 2.5)(1.2)(1000)
= 300 kJ °C−1
(b) The energy to be removed is
4. (a) The total energy lost by the soup is E = C∆T = (300000)(30 − 22) = 2.4 MJ
E = mc∆T = (0.25)(3900)(90 − 45) = 43875 J
(c) By E = Pt, the time required to remove the
(b) The average rate of energy lost by the soup is energy from the room is
P= = ≈ 30.5 W
t= ≈ 686 s
5. (a) By E = Pt = C∆T, the heat capacity of a metal
8. The coffee at 50 °C cools down slower than when it
cube is C = . is at 75 °C. After another 15 minutes, its
The ratio of their heat capacities is temperature drop should be less than that in the
previous 15 minutes. Hence the coffee will be hotter
CX : CY : CZ = : : than 25 °C.
= : : 9. (a) The rate of energy loss increases as the liquid
gets hotter. When this rate is equal to the rate
So, the heat capacities are arranged as
of energy gain from the heater, the
CZ > CX = CY
temperature of the liquid becomes stable.
(b) By E = Pt = mc∆T, the specific heat capacity of a
(b) After switching off the heater, the temperature
metal cube is c = ( )( ). drop in liquid X is only due to the energy loss
The ratio of their specific heat capacities to the surroundings.
cX : cY : cZ Let c be the specific heat capacity of liquid X.
By E = Pt = mc∆T, in 1 s,
= : :
10 × 1 = (0.25c)(1 × )
= : : c = 2400 J kg−1 °C−1
So, the specific heat capacities are arranged as 10. (a) (1) The experimental result will be higher. If
cY > cZ > cX this is ignored, the thermal contact
6. (a) Refer to the table below. between the block and the thermometer
becomes poorer. The final temperature
material specific heat capacity reading will be lower than the actual
/J kg−1 °C−1
final temperature of the block. Since
aluminium 900
air 720 c∝ , the experimental result will be
copper 390 higher.
lead 130 (2) The experimental result will be higher. If
water 4200 this is ignored, the block loses energy
Ranking their specific heat capacities in more readily. Since c ∝ E, the
ascending order, we have experimental result will be higher.
clead < ccopper < cair < caluminium < cwater
(3) The experimental result will be higher. If
(b) As density ρ = and C = mc, we have C = ρVc. this is ignored, the block loses energy
more readily. Since c ∝ E, the
experimental result will be higher.
material heat capacity/J °C−1
(b) No.
aluminium (2710)(0.001)(900) = 2439
Since plastic is a poor conductor of heat, it is
air (1.29)(0.001)(720) = 0.9288 heated up with uneven temperatures in
copper (8940)(0.001)(390) = 3486.6 different parts.
lead (11300)(0.001)(130) = 1469
 [Link] Capacity | p.4

11. In Experiment 2.1, we have c = . 4. (a) The heat capacity of the cup is
C = (1300)(0.005) = 6.5 J °C−1
(a) Taking the joulemeter reading after the heater (b) By conservation of energy, the energy lost by
is switched on for a minute ensures a steady the water and noodles = the energy gained by
rate of heat transfer from the heater to the the cup.
water. This would not make the experimental 6.5(T − 25)
value larger but more accurate. = (86.32 − T)[(0.3)(4200) + (0.1)(2400)]
(b) This reduces the energy absorbed by the water ∴ T ≈ 86.1 °C
from the heater. In other words, the energy (c) He is incorrect.
absorbed by the water E1 − E0 will be Even when the cup is taken into account, only
overestimated. As a result, the measured a small portion of energy is absorbed by the
value of c becomes larger than the standard cup and the final temperature of the ’mixture’
value. in (b) is only 0.2 °C lower than the result in
(c) The water temperature keeps rising as the Question 3. So, the result in Question 3 is still
heater is still hotter than the water, accurate.
immediately after the heater is switched off. If 5. (a) Let t be the time required to turn on the tap.
the temperature reading is taken before it By conservation of energy, the energy lost by
rises to a maximum, the temperature rise of the hot water = the energy gained by the cold
the water T1 − T0 will be underestimated. As a water.
result, the measured value of c becomes
(0.05 × t)(4200)(70 − 37)
larger than the standard value.
= (18)(4200)(37 − 25)
1.65t = 216
Exercise 2.3 (p.76) ∴ t = 130.9 ≈ 131 s
1. Only options (a) and (c) can best account for the (b) Let m be the mass of the hot water to be
significant loss. further added. By conservation of energy, the
(a) It is a possible reason. energy lost by the hot water further added =
The metal cube is hotter than the air around. the energy gained by the water in the tub.
m(4200)(70 − 37)
(b) It is not a possible reason.
= (18 + 0.05 × 130.9)(4200)(0.5)
If boiling water is carried to the polystyrene
33m = 12.2725
cup, the water inside is likely to absorb
∴ m ≈ 0.372 kg
additional energy.
(c) It is a possible reason. 6. (a) Let m be the mass of the milk added to the hot
Both the thread and stirrer have thermal tea. By conservation of energy, the energy
contacts with hotter metal cube and/or water gained by the milk = the energy lost by the tea.
in the cup. m × (4000)(90 − 25)=(0.25)(3800)(95 − 90)
2. (a) The energy gained by every kg of the coolant is 260000m = 4750
Egain = mC∆T = (1)(3000)(60 − 20) = 120 kJ ∴ m = 0.01827 ≈ 0.0183 kg

(b) The energy released by every kg of the coolant (b) Let T be the final temperature of the tea. By
is conservation of energy, the energy gained by
Erelease = mC∆T = (1)(3000)(60 − 22)= 114 kJ the two slices of lemon = the energy lost by the
tea.
(c) The energy gained by the coolant after
(2 × 40)(T − 18) = (0.25)(3800)(95 − T)
completing one cycle is
1030T = 91690
E = 120 − 114 = 6 kJ
T = 89.02 °C
3. Let T be the final temperature of the mixture. ∴ Etotal = (2 × 40)(89.02 − 18) ≈ 5680 J
By conservation of energy, the energy lost by the hot
water = the energy gained by the noodles. 7. (a) By E = mc∆T , the energy gained by the water
is
(0.3)(4200)(98 − T) = (0.1)(2400)(T − 25) E = (1)(4200)(50 – 25) = 105000 J
123480 − 1260T = 240T − 6000
(b) The initial temperature of the plate T is the
∴ T = 86.32 ≈ 86.3 °C
same as the temperature of the stove. By
conservation of energy, the energy lost by the
 [Link] Capacity | p.5

aluminium plate = the energy gained by the temperature rise. Thus the temperature of X rises
cold water. linearly.
(0.25)(900)(T − 50) = 105000 3. A
∴ T ≈ 517 °C Option A is correct.
At 1 min, X has a higher temperature than Y, so is its
average molecular KE.
Exercise 2.4 (p.79)
1 (a) Yes. Option B is incorrect.
At 2 min, X still has a higher temperature than Y. As
The land has a smaller specific heat capacity
than the sea water and therefore absorbs less two blocks are identical, X has a larger internal
energy during the daytime. It takes a shorter energy than Y.
time for the land to cool down as it releases Option C is incorrect.
less energy. By E = Pt = C∆T, the slope of the T–t graph = . At
(b) Yes. any time t, the steeper the slope, the higher the rate
Fried noodles have a lower water content. of gaining energy.
They release more energy when they cool
Option D is incorrect
down and the time taken is longer.
because X and Y are in the same state.
(c) No.
4. D
The specific heat capacity of a material
Statement (1) is incorrect.
describes the relation between the energy
By E = mc∆T, the slope of E–T graph equals the heat
absorbed and the temperature rise. The fact
capacity of the milk mc, which is not affected by the
that water is a common solvent is irrelevant.
energy loss to the surroundings.
(d) Yes. Statement (2) is correct
The filling of a hot apple pie has a higher water because the graph of X is less steep than that of Y.
content than the crust. It releases more energy Statement (3) is correct.
when it touches your tongue. As Y and Z have the same mass and the same slope
2. Wet sand contains more water than dry sand. Due to in the E–T graph, their specific heat capacities are
the high specific heat capacity of water, it has a the same.
smaller temperature rise when it is heated up by the 5. C
sun. Hence we feel the wet sand cooler.
By C = , the ratio of the heat capacities of the
3. the tea has a much higher specific heat capacity than
the poon. It releases more energy than the spoon four materials is
does when they are put into the mouth. CW : CX : CY : CZ = : : :
4. First, congee is rich in water, which has a specific = 645 : 234 : 1154 : 328
heat capacity. It take a long time for the temperature So Y has the highest heat capacity.
of the congee to drop as much energy has to be 6. B
released. By E = Pt = C∆T, the slope of the T–t graph
Second, congee is viscous and the water inside
= . With the same heat capacity, the steepest
cannot flow freely. Convection current is not formed
effectively and the cooling process is greatly slowed graph corresponds to the highest rate of energy
down. gain.
7. A Measure (1) reduces the evaporation rate and
Chapter Exercise
hence the energy loss to the surroundings.
Multiple-choice Questions (p.81) Measure (2) does not make the temperature
readings more accurate. It cannot reduce any error.
1. D
The energy absorbed by the wall in 2 hours is Measure (3) neglects that the heater can still be
E = (300)(6.0)(60 × 60 × 2) hotter than the water. The temperature change of
= 12960000 J ≈ 13.0 MJ the water ∆T will be underestimated and this
induces error when we calculate c .
2. B
As E increases linearly, X gains energy steadily. By E 8. C
= mc∆T, the gain in energy is proportional to the Only specific heat capacity is independent of mass.
Other quantities are all proportional to mass.
 [Link] Capacity | p.6

9. B and T2 be the final temperature of the

Option D is incorrect. soup in the flask after 75 minutes. By
When R and S are heated at the same rate, R should conservation of energy, the energy lost
get hot faster because its specific heat capacity is by the soup = the energy gained by the
lower. flask.
Option B is correct but options A and C are both (2000)(95 − T1) = (320)(T1 − 25)
incorrect. By E = Pt and E = mc∆T, if the specific 2320T1 = 198000
heat capacity c doubles, the time needed to heat up ∴ T1 = 85.34 °C (1M)
the material to the same temperature also doubles. The energy lost by the soup is
10. A Eloss = Pt = (2)(75 × 60) = 9000 J (1M)

Since B is shallower than A, the mass of water per By E = mc∆T, we have

unit area for B is smaller. Since power is transferred 9000 = (2000)(85.34 − T2)
from the sun to the pools at the same rate per unit ∴ T2 ≈ 80.8 °C (1A)
area, B heats up faster (P ∝ 1 m). (ii) Wrap the flask with cotton wool. (1A)
§ We know that m ∝ Ad where A is the area and d is (Accept other reasonable answers.)

the depth. Since E ∝ m, we have ∝ d. (b) (i) Let T be the final temperature of the
soup in the bowl. By E = Pt, the energy
11. C lost by the soup in the bowl is
When X and Y are in contact, heat flows from the Eloss = (12)(2 × 60 × 60) = 86400 J (1M)
hotter to the colder, i.e. from X to Y, until they reach By E = mc∆T, we have
the same temperature. Note that the energy lost by 86400 = (2000)(95 − T)
X is the same as that gained by Y. T = 51.8 °C (1A)
As X has a higher heat capacity (as it has the same (ii) The final temperature of the soup will be
mass as Y but a larger specific heat capacity), its higher. (1A)
temperature change should be smaller. Hence we because the heat loss by convection of
can deduce that the final temperature is closer to air above the bowl of soup is reduced (1A)
the original temperature of X, i.e. 35 °C. if the bowl is covered with a lid.
OR: By conservation of energy, the energy lost by X 14. (a) (i) In the first 3.5 minutes, the temperature
= the energy gained by Y. Thus increases almost linearly. (1A)
mX cX ∆TX = mY cY ∆TY (ii) In the first 3.5 minutes, we have
= = <1 slope = = (1M)

∴ ∆TX < ∆TY By E = mc∆T and E = Pt, we have

Pt = mc∆T
∆T = ( )t (1M)
Structured Questions (p.83)
Since the slope of the temperature–time
12. (a) The energy taken in by the animal is
E = mc∆T = (0.1)(4200)(39 − 36) = 1260 J (1M) graph equals , we have
The rate of energy gained by the animal is
= (1M)
P= = (1M)
∴ c = 152.7 ≈ 153 J kg−1 °C−1 (1A)
= 10.5 W (1A)
(b) Any ONE of the following: (1A)
(b) Some energy has been lost to the surroundings.
(1A) • There is heat loss to the surroundings.
OR: Not all the energy released by the oven is • Not all the energy supplied by the heater is
transferred to the animal. (1A) transferred to the block.
(Accept other reasonable answers.)
(c) Any ONE of the following: (1A)
• Wrap the animal with cotton cloths. (c) (i) Yes. (1A)
It increases the contact area between
• Place the animal in a warm environment.
the block and the water, which helps
(Accept other reasonable answers.)
distribute energy to the block evenly. (1A)
13. (a) (i) Let T1 be the temperature of the soup
after it is poured into the vacuum flask,
 [Link] Capacity | p.7

(ii) Any ONE of the following: (1A) = (1500)(4200)(80 − 60)(1 − 0.15) (1M)

• Cover the beaker with a lid. = 107.1 MJ (1A)

• Wrap the beaker with cotton wool. (b) By E = Pt, the time for the radiator to maintain
(Accept other reasonable answers.) this average power is
15. (a) The volume of skin removed t= (1M)
V = (0.005)(0.005)(0.03)
= 23800 s ≈ 6.61 h (1A)
= 7.5 × 10−7 cm3 (1A)
(c) The temperature of the heating system
(b) The mass of skin removed
becomes closer and closer to the room
m = (7.5 × 10−7)(1.1) (1M)
temperature. (1A)
= 8.25 × 10−7 g
So the rate of heat transfer decreases.
= 8.25 × 10−10 kg (1A)
18. (a) Since water has a high specific heat capacity, a
(c) The heat energy transferred to the skin
wet roof has a higher heat capacity than a dry
E = mc∆T
roof. (1A)
= (8.25 × 10−7)(2.1)(90) (1M)
Therefore, a wet roof shows a smaller
≈ 1.56 × 10−4 J (1A)
temperature rise than a dry roof when it is
16. (a) A ‘well insulated’ container can reduce heat heated up during daytime. (1A)
loss to the surroundings. (1A)
(b) No. (1A)
(b) (i) See the graph below. The wet roof has a higher heat capacity. Its
temperature drops slower than dry regions at
night. (1A)
Therefore, we can still use the same method at
night. A hotter region indicates a potential
water leak in this case. (1A)

Shoot-the-stars Questions (p.85)

1. C
By Pt = mc∆t, the slope of the T–t graph = .
Correct labels on axes with units: 1A
Correct scale: 1A As P keeps decreasing, the slope of the T–t graph
Correct data points: 1A becomes less steep over time. Since the rate of
A best-fit line: 1A energy loss is larger than zero, the T–t graph never
(ii) The slope of the graph becomes horizontal.
2. (a) The energy gain for 1 m2 of the Earth’s surface
= = 24500 J kg−1 (1A)
is
So, the specific heat capacity of liquid X E = (103)(60 × 60 × 5)
is = 18 MJ (1A)
c= = (1M) (b) (i) The volume of the air column above 1 m2
= 2450 J kg−1 °C−1 (1A) of the Earth’s surface is
V = (10 × 103)(1) = 10000m3 (1A)
(iii) The y-intercept of the line indicates the
heat absorbed by the apparatus. (ii) The heat capacity of the air column is
It is 400 J. (1A) C = (1.15 × 10000)(1000) (1M)
= 11.5 MJ °C−1 (1A)
(iv) Refer to the graph in (b)(i).
Same y-intercept as that in (b)(i): 1A (c) By E = mc∆T, the temperature rise in the air is
Straight line with slope smaller than ∆T = ≈ 1.57 °C (1A)
(b)(i): 1A
17. (a) The mass of the heated water is
m = (1.5)(1000) = 1500 kg (1M)
The heat released from the system to the
rooms is
E = mc∆T