Campion College

Thermal Properties
CAPE Unit I Physics
Topic: SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY USING THE ELECTRICAL METHOD
Design an experiment to investigate the specific heat capacity of an unknown liquid
X.
You have been provided with a stopwatch, an ammeter, a voltmeter, electric heater
(heating element), electrical calorimeter, thermometer, electronic balance, power
supply, stirrer, connecting wires.
In your report you should account for the following:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)

The measurements to be taken [2]

A suitable diagram showing the arrangement of the apparatus [3]
A description of the method to be used [4]
The variables that will be controlled. [2]
How the specific heat capacity of liquid X will be calculated, clearly stating
any assumption(s) made. [3]
Two (2) Precautions that you will have to take. [2]
Two (2) possible sources of error that you may encounter in the
experiment. [2]
Two (2) possible difficulties in conducting the experiment [2]

N.B Any other standard equipment (which may be found in a school or college
science laboratory) can be used.
Write-up Format
Aim:
Apparatus:
Diagram:
Strategy/Method:
Controlled Variables:
Analysis of Data:
Precautions:
Possible Sources of Error:
Possible difficulties: