Specific Heat (c) of Metals
Obj: Determine the specific heat (c) of several metals.
Materials: metal cube, calorimeter set up
Methods
1. Record the mass of the metal cube
to the nearest 0.1 g.
2. Immerse the metal cube into the
boiling water. Wait 5 minutes then record the temperature (0.10C).
3. Add exactly 100.0 mL of cool
water at approximately 10oC to the insulated cup.
4. Just before transferring
the metal cube, record the temperature of the cool water (0.1 0C).
5. Quickly
move the metal cube to the cool water; continue to stir gently; record
the highest temperature.
6. Repeat the procedure for another
block.
Analysis
1. Calculate the specific heat c for
your metal using the heat lost = heat gained equation.
2. Identify your metals using the
reference table in your textbook.
3. In which direction, i.e., from
which object did heat flow when
i.
the metal cube was placed in the boiling water?
ii.
the cube was placed in the cool water?
4. What is thermal equilibrium?
How can you recognize when thermal equilibrium has been reached?
5. Why was the cube left in the
boiling water for 5 minutes?
6. Why was the cool water purposely
started well below room temperature?
7. Define specific heat.
8. Explain why water is used in
heating systems for building.
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