Dep-Ed NSTIC Sub-center for Mindanano

College of Education
MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology

DO-IT- YOURSELF SCIENCE APPARATUS

Differential Thermoscope

Figure DIY 7

Quality Checkpoints
The water in the right and left columns are of the same level.

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DO-IT YOURSELF SCIENCE EQUIPMENT

Project Name: Differential Thermoscope
Concepts Involved:
The heat capacity of a substance is a measure of how well the substance stores
heat. Whenever we supply heat to a material, it will necessarily cause an increase in the
materials temperature. The heat capacity is defined as the amount of heat required per
unit increase in temperature.
Tools Needed:
1 nail, 1pc

1 hacksaw

Scissors

Cutter

Hammer

6cm block of wood, 2x4

Sand paper

Pliers

Star Screw driver

Tape measure

Stapler

Materials Needed for the Apparatus:

Materials

Size/Dimension
30 cm
12 cm
8 cm

PVC Elbow
PVC Tee
Test Tubes

Code
P1
P2
P3
E1
T1
TE 1

Bulldog Clips
C2 bottle solo
Plywood
Metal Flat Screw
U-tube Manometer
Plastic Hose
Plywood
Scale/calibration
Cable Clip
Balloon Sticks

B1
C1
PL1
M1
U1
PH1
PL2
S1
CC1
BS1

Large

PVC Pipe

20 mL

8 cm x 5 cm
100 cm
15 cm x 10 cm
10 cm
7 mm
5 cm

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Quantity
1 pc
1 pc
2 pcs
2 pcs
2 pcs
2pcs with rubber
stopper
1pc
2 pcs
2 pcs
2 pcs
1 pc
1pc
1 pc
1 pc
4pcs
2pcs

Activity No. 7
Heat Capacity of Soil and Water
Name: ____________________________________

Date Performed: _________

Section: ___________________ Group No: ______

Score: _________________

The heat capacity of a substance is a measure of how well the substance stores
heat. Whenever we supply heat to a material, it will necessarily cause an increase in the
materials temperature. The heat capacity is defined as the amount of heat required per
unit increase in temperature.

I. Objectives
In this activity, you should be able to:
1. determine which substance will store heat well,
2. determine which substance has higher heat capacity, and
3. explore how heat capacity of solid and liquid is demonstrated in the
apparatus.
II. Materials
Differential Thermoscope Apparatus
2 Thermometers
Time Allotment
This activity can be finished in one hour with intense sunlight.
III. Procedure
Note: This activity must be performed outside the classroom under the heat of
the sun.
1. Check the differential thermoscope apparatus if its water levels are balanced. If
not, adjust the water levels in the two arms of the U-tube manometer by injecting
the empty syringe in the arm of the U-tube manometer that has a higher level of
water. Push the plunger gently until water levels are balanced.
2. Label the arms of the U-tube manometer as Arm A for the one connected to the
party cup containing sand, and Arm B for the one connected to the party cup
containing water.
3. Submerge each thermometer in water and sand for 3 minutes. Record their
temperatures and remove the thermometers carefully.
4. Exposed the sand and water under the heat of the sun for 10 minutes.
5. Remove the sand and water under the heat of the sun after 10 minutes and place
it in the U-tube manometer.
6. Observe the changes on the levels in the U-tube manometer and record it.
7. Submerge the thermometers to get the temperature of sand and water.

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8. Remove the sand and water in the U-tube manometer and let it cool for 10
minutes. You may use fan to speed up cooling. Check the water levels of the Utube manometer. Fill in the table with your observations.
Table 1. Water Levels in the U-tube Manometer

Conditions

Water Levels in the U-tube Manometer (in cm)

Change in Water
Arm A
Arm B
Levels

1. Before exposure to the

sun
2. After sand and water was

placed within 10-minute

exposure to the sun
3. After and water was
placed (3-minute later)
4. After 5-minute cooling
5. After 10-minute cooling
6. After 15-minute cooling

Table 2. Temperature of Sand and Water

Conditions

Temperature in C
Sand

Difference in
Temperature C

Water

1. Before exposure to the

sun
2. After 10-minute exposure
to the sun
3. After 5-minute cooling
IV. Questions
1. After 5-minute exposure to the sun, which of the two substances in the apparatus
have increased its temperature?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
2. After 5- minute exposure to the sun, which of the substances in the apparatus
have increased its temperature?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

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3. After cooling the soil and water, which of the two substances have a greater
decrease in temperature?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
4. After cooling the soil and water, which of the two substances have a lesser
decrease in temperature?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
5. After cooling the soil and water, which of the two substances held heat well?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
6. After cooling the soil and water, which of the two substances did not hold heat
well?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
7. Based on your answer in number 4, which of the two substances has a higher
heat capacity?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
8. Based on your answer in number 3, which of two substances has a lower heat
capacity?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
9. What caused the water level of the U-tube manometer in the apparatus to
decreased and increase?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
V. Generalization
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

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