Data and Observations:

Part I:

Al Cu Zn Fe

Measured 27.776 g 27.776 g 27.776 g 27.776 g

mass of metal

Distilled water 26.0 mL 26.0 mL 26.0 mL 26.0 mL

measurement

Distilled water 25.4 C 25.4 C 24.5 C 24.5 C

temperature

Temperature of 100.6 C 100.6 C 100.6 C 100.6 C

metal

Temperature of 38.9 C 31.6 C 31.7 C 32.6 C

mixture

All of the elements had the same measurements of temperature except the temperature
of mixture, and aluminum had the highest.

Part II:

Metal A Metal B Metal C

Measured mass of 25.605 g 25.605 g 25.605 g

metal

Distilled water 24.5 mL 24.5 mL 24.5 mL

measurement

Distilled water 25.2 C 25.2 C 25.2 C

temperature

Temperature of 100.5 C 100.5 C 100.5 C

metal
 Temperature of 29.1 C 32.3 C 28.7 C
mixture

All of the metals had the same measurements of temperature except the temperature of
mixture, where metal B had the highest.

Calculations:
Part I:
1. Calculate the energy change (q) of the surroundings (water) using the enthalpy
equation: qwater = m c T.

m= 26.0 c= 4.18 x delta T

Delta T = final temperature - initial temperature

Delta T= 38.9 - 25.4 = 13.5

26.0 x 4.18 x 13.5 = 1,487 J

We can assume that the specific heat capacity of water is 4.18 J / (g C) and the
density of water is 1.00 g/mL.

The water has absorbed the heat of the metal. So, qwater = qmetal

2. Using the formula qmetal = m c T, calculate the specific heat of the metal.
Use the data from your experiment for the metal in your calculation.

-1,487 J = 27.776 g (38.9-100.6)

-1,487 J = 27.776 g (-61.7)

-1,487 J / -1,714 = -1,714 / -1,714

= 0.868 J/gC

Part II:
1. Calculate the energy change (q) of the surroundings (water) using the enthalpy
equation: qwater = m c T.

m = 24.5 c = 4.18 delta T = 29.1 - 25.2 = 3.9

24.5 x 4.18 x 3.9 = 399 J

We can assume that the specific heat capacity of water is 4.18 J / (g C) and the
density of water is 1.00 g/mL. Show ALL your work.

The water has absorbed the heat of the metal. So, qwater = qunknown metal

2. Using the formula qunknown metal = m c T, calculate the specific heat of

the metal. Use the data from your experiment for the unknown metal in your
calculation. Show ALL your work.

-399 J = 25.605(29.1-100.5)

-399 J = 25.605(-71.4)

-399 J / -1,828 = -1,828 / -1,828

= 0.218 J/gC

Conclusion:
1. Use the given specific heat capacity values below to calculate the percent error
of the experimental specific heat capacity that you determined in part I of the lab.
Known Specific Heat Values:
Iron: 0.444 J/gC
Zinc: 0.390 J/gC
Copper: 0.385 J/gC
Aluminum: 0.900 J/gC

0.868 - 0.900/0.900 * 100 = 3.5% error aluminum

2. Using the experimental specific heat capacity value that you determined in part II
of the lab, what is the most probably identity of the metal that you examined?
Assuming that is the identity of the metal, determine the percent error of your
calculated specific heat capacity value.

Metal Specific Heat Capacity

Nickel 0.440
 Tin 0.210

Silver 0.237

Magnesium 1.020

Calcium 0.650

Mercury 0.140

Metal you examined: Metal A

Experimental specific heat capacity: 0.218
Metal identity: Tin
Known specific heat capacity value: 0.210

3. In complete sentences, describe three sources of experimental error that could

occur with this type of calorimetry lab. Explain, in detail, the effect that each
specific error would have on the calculated specific heat capacity values.

When you do this experiment, there is a capacity in the lab of how much metal you can
use. Using a big amount of metal can mess up your experiment. You also need to know
how to read a thermometer. Not knowing the difference between Fahrenheit and
Celsius can mess up your calculations. Another example could be if you use the wrong
calculation for the specific heat capacity. You have to know what every variable means
in the calculation in order to get the correct answer.