Six original Cambridge-style questions on the definition of specific heat capacity, calculations for energy and for c, why water is special, and the experiment to measure it.
Define the specific heat capacity of a substance, and state its unit.
Calculate the energy needed to raise the temperature of 0.5 kg of water from 20 degrees C to 80 degrees C. The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J/(kg degrees C).
Δθ: 80 - 20 = 60 degrees C
ΔE = m c Δθ = 0.5 x 4200 x 60ΔE = 126 000 J (126 kJ)
A 0.5 kg block of metal is given 9000 J of energy and its temperature rises by 40 degrees C. Calculate the specific heat capacity of the metal.
c = 9000 / 20
c = 450 J/(kg degrees C)
A heater supplies 27 000 J of energy to 1.5 kg of aluminium, of specific heat capacity 900 J/(kg degrees C). Calculate the rise in temperature, assuming no energy is lost.
Δθ = 27000 / 1350
Δθ = 20 degrees C
Water has a much higher specific heat capacity than most metals. Explain what this means in practice, and give one use that depends on it.
Describe an experiment using an electrical heater to measure the specific heat capacity of a metal block. State the measurements you would take and how you would use them.
Insulate the block to reduce energy lost to the surroundings.
Mark this once you have attempted all six and checked your working. It records a Practiced badge on the topic and adds a one-time bonus. Revealing the solutions alone does not count.