Conceptual Physics
Specific Heat
Lab
Objective:
Name ____________________
Per _________
Date ___________
Determine the specific heat of a known
metal.
Procedure:
1. Weigh a specific heat metal sample on a
balance to the nearest tenth of a gram. Record
this mass in the data table.
2. Place the metal sample in a boiling water bath
for 5 minutes to be sure the temperature of
the sample is 100˚C.
3. Remove the inner vessel and measure the
mass; record the mass of the empty inner vessel in the table.
4. Fill the inner vessel of the calorimeter half way with tap water. Measure the mass of the inner
vessel with water and record in the table.
5. Determine the mass of water in the inner vessel.
6. Replace the inner vessel into the calorimeter. Measure and record the temperature of the water
in the calorimeter in ˚Celsius.
7. Using the tongs, lift up the heated metal sample from the boiling water bath and carefully place
it into the water in the calorimeter.
8. Stir the water in the calorimeter by gently and constantly moving the stir rod up and down the.
9. Use the digital thermometer to measure the highest temperature that the water reaches.
Record.
Table:
Type of metal
Mass of metal (g)
Mass of empty inner vessel (g)
Mass of inner vessel and water(g)
Mass of water (g)
Initial temperature of water (˚C)
Highest temperature of water (˚C)
Actual specific heat of test metal (J/g·˚C)
___________
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Analysis: (credit is based on your train of thought clearly and neatly communicated)
10. Calculate the heat gained by the water using the mass of the water, the temperature change of
the water in ˚C, and the specific heat of the water (Cwtr =
):
11. Calculate the specific heat of the sample using the mass of the sample, the temperature change
of the metal (initial temp = 100˚C), and the heat gained by the water (from line #10).
12. Get from instructor the actual specific heat capacity of your test metal. Record.
13. Determine the percent difference between the actual and experimentally determined specific
heat capacities of your test metal: