Determining the Specific Heat Capacity of a Metal through

Conduction with Water

Background Information

The specific heat capacity (C) of a substance is defined as the amount of heat required to raise
the temperature of a unit mass of the substance by one degree Celsius or Kelvin. It is a crucial
parameter in understanding how materials respond to changes in temperature. The equation
governing heat transfer through conduction is given by Q = mcΔT, where Q is the heat
transferred, m is the mass, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the temperature change.

In this experiment, a metal sample is chosen to investigate its specific heat capacity through
conduction with water. Water was chosen as the surrounding medium due to its high specific
heat capacity, ensuring efficient heat transfer and accurate measurements.

Materials and Methods:

Materials:

1. Metal sample
2. Water
3. 2 Containers
4. Thermometer
5. Heat source (e.g., Bunsen burner)

Procedure:

1. Measure and record the mass (m) of the metal sample.

2. Fill the first container with water and add the metal to it.
3. Fill the second container with a known mass of water.
4. Measure the initial temperature of the water in the second container.
5. Heat the first container using the heat source until the water reaches boiling point
(373.15K).
6. Quickly transfer the hot metal sample into the second container with water.
7. Stir the water and metal thoroughly, recording the highest temperature reached.
8. Calculate the temperature change (ΔT) of the water.
9. Use the equation Q = mcΔT to determine the specific heat capacity (c) of the metal.

Data analysis:
1. Calculation of temperature change ΔT:
ΔT = Tfinal-Tinitial
2. Calculation of heat transferred to water:
Q = mcΔT
Where m is the mass of water and c is the specific heat capacity of water
3. Calculation of specific heat capacity of metal (c):
Q
c=
m∗ΔT

Conclusion:

The experiment aimed to determine the specific heat capacity ( c) of a metal using conduction
with water. The calculated specific heat capacity of the metal was found to be lower than the
expected value based on literature data. This outcome raises interesting considerations about
the experimental process and the properties of the metal sample used.

Evaluation:

Strengths:

1. Consistency in Measurements: Despite the deviation from the expected value, the
experimental procedure demonstrated consistency in measurements, as reflected in the
reproducibility of results in multiple trials.
2. Well-Controlled Variables: The experiment effectively controlled variables such as the
mass of the metal sample, the volume of water, and the initial and final temperatures.
This enhances the reliability of the results.

Weaknesses:

1. Heat Loss to Surroundings: One potential weakness is the loss of heat to the
surroundings during the transfer of the hot metal to the water. This could result in an
underestimation of the heat transferred and, consequently, the specific heat capacity.
2. Assumptions about Water Properties: The experiment assumed the specific heat
capacity of water ( cwater) to be 4.18 J/g°C. Small variations in this value, especially at
higher temperatures, could impact the accuracy of the calculated specific heat capacity
of the metal.