What is the definition of specific heat capacity?

Specific heat capacity is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C.

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State the specific heat capacity equation.

Q = mcΔT


Q = heat transferred (J)

m = mass (kg)

c = specific heat capacity (J/kg°C),

ΔT = temperature change (°C).

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Outline the procedure for an electrical experiment to determine the specific heat capacity of a metal.

  1. Heat the metal using an electric immersion heater.
  2. Measure the energy supplied using a joulemeter.
  3. Measure the highest temperature reached and calculate the temperature change of the metal.
  4. Use the formula Q = mcΔT to calculate the specific heat capacity.

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Do materials with a high specific heat capacity heat up faster than those with a lower specific heat capacity?

No


Materials with a lower specific heat capacity will heat up quicker.

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How can errors be reduced in determining the specific heat capacity of a metal block?

  1. Insulate the metal block to ensure that there is no heat loss to the surroundings.
  2. Measure the maximum temperature reached, not the temperature when the heater is turned off.

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