FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE

CAWANGAN PAHANG KAMPUS JENGKA

LAB REPORT PHY 636: EXPERIMENT 5

(ELECTRICAL EQUIVALENT TO HEAT)

LECTURER: TS. DR. WAN AIZUDDIN W

RAZALI

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 1/11/2023

NAME STUDENT ID
NUR SYAZERA BINTI SELAMAT 2021494238
SITI AISYAH BINTI ADENAN 2021494706
WAN AHMAD AFIQ BIN WAN HUZAIRUL AZRIL 2021486084
Title: Electrical Equivalent to Heat

Objective:

To determine,
a) electrical equivalent of heat (J)
b) efficiency of an incandescent lamp

Theory:

The theory for electrical energy and power was developed using the principles of mechanical
energy, and the units of energy are the same for both electrical and mechanical energy.
However, heat energy is typically measured in quantities that are separately defined from the
laws of mechanics and electricity and magnetism. Sir James Joule first studied the equivalence
of these two forms of energy and found that there was a constant of proportionality between
them and this constant is therefore referred to as the Joule equivalent of heat and given the
symbol J. The Joule equivalent of heat is the amount of mechanical or electrical energy
contained in a unit of heat energy.

The energy used to add heat to a solid or liquid increases the material's internal energy, which
raises its temperature. 𝑄 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝑡 is the relationship between the heat and the ensuing
temperature change.

Q =Heat
m =Mass
C =specific heat
∆t =change in temperature

In this experiment, the temperature is varied by the water and the aluminium calorimeter
cup. We suppose that even though the water and cup have different masses and specific heats,
they both experience the same temperature change. In this experiment, a heating resistor is used
to add heat to the calorimeter. The students' work involves turning a crank to start an electrical
generator that generates current. The resistor transforms the electrical energy produced into
heat, raising the water's and the cup's temperature. This has been known as the Electrical
Equivalent of Heat in the past. The voltage and subsequent current generated by the generator
determine the electrical power.

The expression arises from the definition of the relationship between energy and power. This
amount of heat is being provided to the wire in a time Δt while a given current, I is flowing
through the resistance R (in our experiment, it is filament of the bulb). In our experiment, this
heat is transferred to a container of water, causing the temperature of the water and jar to rise.
Apparatus:

1. Power supply
2. Ammeter
3. Voltmeter
4. Banana plugs connectors.
5. Thermometer
6. Indian ink
7. EEH Jar
8. Styrofoam calorimeters
9. Weighing scale

Procedure:

Part 1

1. The room temperature (T) was recorded.

2. The mass (M) of the EEH Jar (with the lid on) was recorded.
3. The lid of the EEH jar was removed, and the jar was filled with cold water,
approximately 10 ˚C below room temperature.
4. About 10 drops of India ink were added to the water so that the lamp filament was
barely visible when the lamp was illuminated.
5. The power supply was attached to the terminals of the EEH jar by using banana plug
connectors. A voltmeter and ammeter were connected to the EEH jar so that we could
measure both the current and the voltage going into the lamp.
6. The power supply was turned on and the voltage was adjusted quickly to about 11.5
volts, then the power was shut off immediately to not let the voltage exceed 13 volts.
7. The EEH jar was inserted into one of the Styrofoam calorimeters.
8. The thermometer was inserted through the hole in the top of the jar. The water was
stirred gently with the thermometer while the temperature was observed. The power
supply was turned on when the temperature rose to about 6 or 8 degrees below room
temperature.
9. The current (I) and voltage (V) were recorded.
10. The power was shut off, and the time was recorded when the temperature was as far
above room temperature as it was below room temperature. The water continued to be
stirred gently, and the thermometer was observed until the temperature peaks and starts
to drop. This peak temperature was recorded.
11. The EEH jar with the water was weighed, and the value was recorded.
Part 2

1. Experiment 1 was repeated without using Indian ink in Step 4 of Experiment 1.

2. The same data was recorded as in experiment 1, and the same calculation was used to
determine E and H.

Result and Analysis:

Part 1

𝑇𝑟 27.0˚C

𝑀𝑗 83.8 g

𝑀𝑗𝑤 270.1 g

V 21.7 V

I 0.77 A

𝑡𝑖 120 s

𝑡𝑓 1320 s
 𝑇𝑖 21.0 ˚C

𝑇𝑓 39.8 ˚C

Time during power applied to the lamp inside the EEH Jar:

𝑡 = 𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑖

= (1320-120) ± (0.01) s

= 1200 ± 0.01 s

Electrical energy into the lamp, E:

𝐸 = 𝑉𝐼𝑡

= (21.7 V) (0.77 A) (1200 s)

= 20050.80 J

∆𝑉 ∆𝐼 ∆𝑡
∆E = ( + + )
𝑉 𝐼 𝑡

0.1 0.01 0.01

= ( 21.7 + 0.77 + 1200 ) 20050.80

= 353.0

⸪ E = 2.01 × 104 ± 3.53 × 102 J

Heat capacity of EEH Jar, 𝑀𝑐 = 23 g

Mass of water heated, 𝑀𝑤= 𝑀𝑗𝑤 − 𝑀𝑗

= (270.1 − 83.8) ± (0.1 + 0.1)

= 186.3 ± 0.2 g
Change of temperature, 𝑇𝑓 − 𝑇𝑖 = 42.4 ˚C−21.0 ˚C

= 21.4 ˚C

The heat transferred to the water & EEH Jar:

𝐻 = ( 𝑀𝑊 + 𝑀𝐶 )(1 𝑐𝑎𝑙/𝑔 ˚C) ( 𝑇𝑓 − 𝑇𝑖 )

= (186.3 + 23) (1) (21.4)

= (209.3) (1) (21.4)

= 4479.02 cal

0.1+0.1 0.1+0.1
∆H=( + ) 4479.02
209.3 21.4

= 46.14

⸪ H = 4.5 × 103 ± 46 𝑐𝑎𝑙

Electrical equivalent of heat, 𝐽𝑒

𝐸
𝐽𝑒 =
𝐻
20050.80
= 4479.02

= 4.4766 𝐽/𝑐𝑎𝑙

3.53 × 102 46
∆𝐽𝑒 = ( 4
+ ) 4.4766
2.01 × 10 4.5 × 103

= ( 0.02778) ( 4.4766 )

= 0.12

⸪ 𝐽𝑒 = 4.4766 ± 0.12 𝐽/𝑐𝑎𝑙

Percentage Error:

Theoretical value of 𝐽𝑒 is 4.184 J/cal

| 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙−𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑦 |
𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = × 100%
𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑦
 | 4.4766−4.184 |
= × 100%
4.184

= 6.99 %

PART 2

𝑇𝑟 27.0 ˚c

𝑀𝑗 83.9 g

𝑀𝑗𝑤 276.6 g

V 21.7 V

I 0.77 A

𝑡𝑖 120 s

𝑡𝑓 1320 s

𝑇𝑖 18.4 ˚C

𝑇𝑓 39.0 ˚C

Time during power applied to the lamp inside the EEH Jar:

𝑡 = 𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑖

= (1320-120) ± (0.01) s

= 1200 ± 0.01 s
Electrical energy into the lamp, E:

𝐸 = 𝑉𝐼𝑡

= (21.7 V) (0.77 A) (1200 s)

= 20050.80 J

∆𝑉 ∆𝐼 ∆𝑡
∆E = ( + + )
𝑉 𝐼 𝑡

0.1 0.01 0.01

=( + + ) 20050.80
21.7 0.77 1200

= 353.0

⸪ E = 2.01 × 104 ± 3.53 × 102 J

Heat capacity of EEH Jar, 𝑀𝑐 = 23 g

Mass of water heated, 𝑀𝑤= 𝑀𝑗𝑤 − 𝑀𝑗

= (272.6 − 83.9) ± (0.1 + 0.1)

= 188.7 ± 0.2 g

Change of temperature, 𝑇𝑓 − 𝑇𝑖 = 39.0 ˚C−18.4 ˚C

= 20.6 ˚C

The heat transferred to the water & EEH Jar:

𝐻 = ( 𝑀𝑊 + 𝑀𝐶 )(1 𝑐𝑎𝑙/𝑔 ˚C) ( 𝑇𝑓 − 𝑇𝑖 )

= (188.7 + 23) (1) (20.6)

= (211.7) (1) (20.6)

= 4361.02 cal

0.1+0.1 0.1+0.1
∆H=( + ) 4361.02
211.7 20.6

= 46.46
⸪ H = 4.4 × 103 ± 47 𝑐𝑎𝑙

𝐻𝑗 = 𝐻𝐽𝑒

= (4361.02 cal ) ( 4.4766 J/cal )

= 19522.54 J

47 0.12
∆𝐻𝑗 = ( 3
+ ) 19522.54
4.4 × 10 4.4766

= 731.86

⸪ H = 1.95 × 104 ± 7.31 × 102 𝐽

Efficiency:

𝐸 − 𝐻𝑗
× 100%
𝐸
20050.80−19522.54
= × 100%
20050.80

= 2.64 %

Percentage error of efficiency:

Theoretical efficiency is 13 %

| 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙−𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑦 |
𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = × 100%
𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑦

| 2.64−13 |
= × 100%
13

= 79.69 %
Discussion

Indian ink is required for the first portion of this experiment since it can be used to alter the
thermal properties of surfaces. By monitoring the temperature change in the covered region
over time, researchers can ascertain specifics regarding the thermal conductivity of the
underlying material. Thus, as the experiment progresses, we obtain the following results: room
temperature of 27°C; EEH jar weight: 83.8g; EEH jar weight with water: 270.1g; first, we
obtain a temperature of 21.0°C when the countdown begins at 0s; second, we obtain a
temperature of 42.4°C. The voltage (v) and current (I) values are 21.7V and 0.76A,
respectively. When using the formula E=V.I.t to calculate the electrical energy delivered to the
lamp, the result was 2.01 × 𝟏𝟎𝟒 ± 𝟑. 𝟓𝟑 × 𝟏𝟎𝟐 J. When using the formula H=(Mw+Mc)
(1calgmC) (Tf-Ti) to calculate the heat transferred to the water (and EEH jar), the result was
𝟒. 𝟓 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 ± 𝟒𝟔 𝒄𝒂𝒍. When using the formula Je=EH to calculate the electrical equivalent of
heat, the result was 𝟒. 𝟒𝟕𝟔𝟔 ± 𝟎. 𝟏𝟐 𝑱/𝒄𝒂𝒍

In the second stage of the experiment, we must choose not to use Indian ink. As a result, during
the experiment, we were able to measure the following: the initial time, ti, was 276.6g; the
weight of the EEH jar without water was 83.7g; and the room temperature was 27°C. The
temperature is 18.4°C when the countdown begins at 0s, 30°C when the time reaches 600s, and
39.0°C when the countdown finishes. The voltage (v) and current (I) values are 21.7V and
0.77A, respectively. Using the formula E=V.I.t to determine the electrical energy given to the
lamp, we obtained a value of 19522.4J. Using the formula H=(Mw+Mc) (1calgmC) (Tf-Ti) for
the heat transmitted to the water (and EEH jar), we obtained a H value of 4361.02 J. Using the
formula Je=EH for the electrical equivalent of heat, we obtained a value of 1.95 × 104 ±
7.31 × 102 𝐽

Conclusion

This experiment demonstrated that electrical energy could be converted into heat energy. The
final finding of the experiment is that a specific amount of electrical energy is equivalent to a
specific amount of heat energy, and this relationship is consistent and predictable, as shown in
this experiment. The experiments helped establish the concept of energy conservation and laid
the foundation for the field of thermodynamics. Based on the calculation from this experiment,
the electrical equivalent to the heat that we got is, while the percentage error is 6.99%, which
is below 10%. The efficiency for this experiment is 2.64%, while the percentage error of the
efficiency of this experiment is 79.69%. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was
achieved. In conclusion, the electrical equivalent of the heat experiment confirmed the
conversion of electrical energy into heat energy and played a pivotal role in the development
of thermodynamics and our understanding of the fundamental principles governing energy
conservation in physical systems.
Pre-Lab Question

1. What effect are the following factors likely to have on the accuracy of your
determination of Jₑ the Electrical Equivalent of Heat? Can you estimate the magnitude
of the effects?

a. The inked water is not completely opaque to visible light.

Light Absorption. If the inked water is not fully opaque, the light can pass
through the water that can increase the temperature. Magnitude of effects
depends on many factors such as transparency of water, the concentration and
properties of ink and intensity of light source. The effect might be small but it
can affect the temperature readings are critical.

b. There is some transfer of thermal energy between the EEH Jar and the room
atmosphere. (What is the advantage of beginning the experiment below room
temperature and ending it an equal amount above room temperature?).

In the beginning of experiment, we use temperature that is below room

temperature and ending it with an equal amount that is above room temperature
that can help reduce the impact of heat transfer to the surroundings. At the below
room temperature, we reduce the potential for heat loss to the surroundings as
heat naturally pass through from warmer to cooler. Ending the experiment
above room temperature allowed us to measure any heat gained by the EEH jar
during the experiment.

2. How does Jₑ compare with J, the mechanical equivalent of heat. Why?

Jₑ is the electrical equivalent of heat that related with the amount of electrical energy. J
is the mechanical equivalent energy that related with the amount of mechanical work
done. Both Jₑ and J has the same goals which is to understanding the conversion of
different form of energy into heat.
Pre-Lab Question

1. What effect are the following factors likely to have on the accuracy of your
determination of the efficiency of the lamp? Can you estimate the magnitude of the
effects?

a. Water is not completely transparent to visible light.

When the light is passes through water, some of light is absorbed that leading to a
reduction in the intensity of transmitted light. The magnitude of the effects is
water’s quality. Water’s absorption is depending on its purity.

b. Not all the infrared radiation is absorbed by the water.

When water is not be able to absorb the infrared radiation, it can affect the result at
the accuracy of reading. The magnitude of the effects is the thickness of water layer
makes the water is less affective to absorb the wavelengths.

c. The Styrofoam calorimeter was not used so there is some transfer of thermal energy
between the EEH jar and the room atmosphere.
Styrofoam calorimeter is a common apparatus because it can prevent heat exchange
and because of there is a transfer of thermal energy between EEH Jar so it can lead
to the inaccuracies result. The magnitude of the effects is the duration of experiment
which is the bigger number of temperature difference and it can make the longer
experiment duration.

2. Is an incandescent lamp more efficient as a light bulb or a heater?

Incandescent lamp as a heater is more efficient and suitable. It is because the
incandescent lamp as a light bulb are not efficient compare to a incandescent lamp as
a heater because of their heat. To be as a light bulb it must have a filament wire to make
the temperature is high and cause it to emit the visible of light. For a heater is more
suitable because the conversion of electrical energy into thermal energy is their main
function.
 References

1. 260 8-1 the joule constant I. theory - college of San Mateo. (n.d.).
https://collegeofsanmateo.edu/physics/docs/physics260/lab08.pdf
2. Joule equivalent of Electrical Energy - University of Tennessee. (n.d.-b).
http://www.phys.utk.edu/labs/Joule_Equivalent_of_Electrical_Energy.pdf
3. Electrical equivalent of Heat Experiment. AYVA Educational Solutions. (n.d.).
https://www.ayva.ca/sci/product/ex-5525_electrical_equivalent_of_heat_experiment/
4. Converting electrical energy into heat energy – measuring with the ... (n.d.-b).
https://www.ld-didactic.de/literatur/hb/e/p2/p2342_e.pdf
5. Electrical4U. (2023, June 19). How mechanical work and heat are interchangeable.
https://www.electrical4u.com/mechanical-equivalent-of-heat/