(II) Specific heat capacity of aluminium

.
Procedure: 12 V
transformer
1. Modify the above experiment to determine the specific
heat capacity of the aluminium.
2. Determine the mass of aluminium block and record as m. thermometer
3. Arrange the apparatus as shown in the diagram.
4. Determine the initial temperature of the aluminium block
and record as 0. Immersion heater
5. Switch on the power supply to the heater and oil
start the stopwatch at the same time. wool
6. After 5 minutes, switch off the power supply.
Wait for a while and Aluminium block
record the highest reading of the temperature.
7. Record the temperature as 1.
Polystyrene tile.
Results:
Mass of aluminium block, m = . kg

Initial temperature, 0 = ..C

Final temperature, 1 = ..C

Increase in temperature, = 1 0 = . C

Time in heating, t = .. s
Power of heater, P = W
Energy supply by the heater, Q = = . J

Q
Specific heat capacity of water, c =
m
-1 -1
= .. = J kg C .
Discussion:
1. In both experiments, explain why tissue paper was used to wrap the apparatus.
[to reduce the heat loss to the surroundings]

2. In the case of aluminium block,

Explain why the gaps between the immersion heater and thermometer are filled with oil.
[Oil is a very good heat conductor;
thus provide good contact between thermometer & aluminium]
3. In both cases, why did the temperature continue to rise after the power supply has been
switched off?
[because the thermal equilibrium has not yet reached]
[the temperature of heater is higher than aluminium block]

4. Explain why the values of specific heat capacity of water and aluminium from the
experiment are higher
than the actual values.
[because of heat loss to the surroundings is considered when the heating process
continue]

Conclusion: the specific heat capacity of water determined using electrical method

Precaution:
Aluminium cylinder is wrapped with a tissue paper/ felt cloth to reduce the heat loss to
the surroundings
Polystyrene sheets acts as a heat insulator to avoid heat loss to the surface of the
table