University of Santo Tomas CHE 216L:

Faculty of Engineering PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY FOR

Department of Chemical Engineering ENGINEERS 1 LABORATORY
Post-Lab Written Report
Date Performed:
Name: INVENTADO, Sofia Daphney B.
Date Submitted:
Section: 2-ChE-B Group No: 3 Instructor: Engr. Rose Mardie Pacia

Experiment 5: LAW OF SPECIFIC HEATS (DULONG AND PETIT)

I. INTRODUCTION

Matter and its certain properties, as complicated as it sounds, can present themselves under
more simple forms. If it was to be expressed and studied through its identifying laws and theories (ie.
atomic theory), less complicated, which goes through the connection of the matter and the individual
action of its molecules, discoveries may contribute to its composition and to the advancement of
physics with a new degree of probability. These properties that visibly must be put into considerations
must be temperature dependent as it reacts to the action of heat. In this way, like Dulong and Petit,
discoveries can lead to simple relations between phenomena; relations that are not yet visible during
classical chemistry.[B]

In able to identify a material/substance using its properties depending on its reaction with heat,
a concept called “specific heat” can participate. The specific heat (Cs) is the amount of energy needed
to increase the temperature of 1g of a substance by 1°C; its units are thus J/(g•°C). [C] It can be used to
compare metallic elements of how different they absorb or transfer energy. [D] One instrument that can
be used to measure the specific heat of a substance is the calorimeter. A calorimetry is used to
measure amount of heat absorbed or taken off of a substance. It is a technique that can be used to
measure the amount of heat in a process. The amount of heat is converted from the change of
temperature of the system.[E] It is measured through a calibrated instrument called calorimeter. 

However, there is a thermodynamic law formulated by French physicists Pierre Louis Dulong
and Alexis Therese Petit in 1819; the “Dulong-Petit Law”. Through an experiment, the two scientists
discovered that the mass-specific heat capacity for a number of elements was close to a constant
value. Using this law, the atomic weight of an element can be calculated when its specific heat is
known. However, this law only limits to metallic elements at low to near room temperature, Because of
this limits, Dulong-Petit Law is only used for approximation at high temperatures. [F]

The Dulong-Petit Law claims that the molar specific heat of a solid is nearly constant and is

J
equal to 3R, where R is the gas constant therefore the constant approximates to 24.9 . Proving
mol K
this, the movement of a molecule is considered; vibration. During vibration, the kinetic energy is being
 converted to potential energy while the potential energy is being converted to kinetic energy. Therefore,
the average for both energies is equal. Assuming monoatomic gas, the kinetic energy will perform the
law of equipartition of energy, which can be equated to the potential energy giving Eq. 1.

3
EK = kBT= EP
2
Eq. 1. Law of Equipartition of Energy

Therefore, the total energy of the 1 atom is equal to the summation of two energies (Eq. 2). Substituting
the values of the potential and kinetic energy produces Eq. 3.

U = EK + EP 3 3
U= kBT + kBT = 3kBT
Eq. 2. Internal Energy 2 2
Eq. 3. Substituting values of EK and EP

Considering that gas constant is a product of Boltzmann constant and Avogadro’s number. For solids,
the equation is given as Eq. 4. Since no work is present at constant volume, using the general equation
of the first law of thermodynamics, heat is equal to the total internal energy. The equation, then, gives
Experiment 5: Law of Specific Heats (Dulong and Petit)
us the value of heat at constant volume. (Eq. 5) Equating the two equations of heat (Q) will give the

J
specific heat, 24.9 . (Eq. 6)
mol K

U = 3kBTNA = 3RT dU = Q = 3RdT = CvdT

Eq. 4. Internal Energy for monoatomic gas Eq. 5. Q at constant volume

J J
Cv = 3R = 3 (8.314 ) = 24.9
mol K mol K
Eq. 6. Dulong-Petit Law constant for specific heat

The experiment aims to prove that the molar heat capacity of different metals can be computed
through the temperature difference of the system with the use of the concept of calorimetry through a
calorimeter. Also, it is expected to prove the accuracy of Dulong-Petit Law through comparing the molar

J
heat capacity of the four different metals; which should be close to 24.9 .
mol K

INVENTADO, SOFIA DAPHNEY B. 2

II. METHODOLOGY
Due to the unfortunate events that are currently happening causing the class cancellations, the
experiment was not able to be performed in a physical lab. Rather, the experiment is done through
virtual laboratory; a flash simulation prepared by Iowa State University which can be found in a website
called ‘sciencegeek.net’. In order for the virtual laboratory to appear once the link was clicked, the flash
player must be allowed.
A metal was chosen, preferably the silver goes first. (Fig1) The mass and the temperature of
the chosen metal, then, were adjusted using the slider as shown in Figure 2. The mass and
temperature of the metal were based higher than the temperature of the water since the metal was
heated until the water boils in the physical experiment. The heat transfer from this process is from metal
to water. Next, the temperature and the mass of the water were chosen (Fig3) assuming that it has the
same temperature as the calorimeter.

Experiment 5: Law of Specific Heats (Dulong and Petit)

Fig. 1. Choosing a Metal Fig. 2. Set Mass and Temperature of Metal

Fig. 3. Set Mass and Temperature of Water

Since the composition of the system and its surroundings were adjusted, the stirring of the
system was started by clicking the start button. (Figure 4) The graph was observed which showed the
temperature movement of the system as stirring takes place. Documentation was performed by taking a
screen capture as the temperature reaches the equilibrium. Reset was clicked as another trial was
performed. (Figure 5) Multiple trials contained varying mass and temperature of the metal, initial

INVENTADO, SOFIA DAPHNEY B. 3

 temperature and mass of the water and no two trials give the same system composition. The
experiment was performed in three more metals namely Gold, Copper and Iron.

Fig. 4. Click start to begin experiment Fig. 5. Click reset to restart data

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1. Results of Trial 1 (at low standards) Table 2. Results of Trial 2 (at mid standards)

Experiment 5: Law of Specific Heats (Dulong and Petit)

Table 3. Results of Trial 3 (at high standards)

The heat given off by the metal to the calorimeter result with the increase of temperature of the
calorimeter. This means, conversely, that the heat absorbed by the metal from the calorimeter result
with a decrease in temperature of the calorimeter. The heat absorbed or given off by the metal is equal
to the same amount of heat lost or gained by the calorimeter, respectively. This result that the heat
change metal is equal but opposite in sign to the heat change of the calorimeter (Eq. 7). [A] It was
assumed that the temperature of water is equal to the temperature of calorimeter.

INVENTADO, SOFIA DAPHNEY B. 4

 Qcalorimeter = -Qmetal
Eq. 7: Heat of System
Given the formula of heat, Q, at constant volume (Eq. 8), the heat of the water is calculated

J [G]
(specific heat of water is 4.18 ), given that it is equal to the heat of the calorimeter. The heat of
g° C
the metal is then computed since it has the same amount of the heat of the water, but in opposite sign
as recalled at Eq. 7. Deriving the formula of molar heat capacity from the formula of heat, the molar
heat capacity of the metal is given (Eq. 9).

Q = mCvdT Qmetal
Cv,n =
Eq. 8. Heat at constant volume n∆T
Eq. 9. Molar heat capacity of metal

Treatment of Data for the first trial:

= 386.23J
SILVER
Qcopper = -386.23J
J
Qwater = (4.18 )(30g)(21.87° C Q copper
g° C C= =
m∆T
-20° C )
= 234.5J −386.23 J
Experiment 5: Law of Specific Heats (Dulong and Petit) (20 g)(23.08 ° C−73 ° C )
Q = -234.5J
silver

C= Q¿
¿ J
m∆T = = 0.387
g° C

−234.5 J Q copper
Cn = =
(20 g)(21.87 ° C−72 ° C ) n∆T

J
= 0.234
g° C −386.23 J
¿ 20 g
Cn = Q ¿ ( )(23.08° C−73 ° C )
n ∆T = g
63.546
mol
J
−234.5 J = 24.6
mol ° C
20 g
( )(21.87° C−72° C)
g
107.868
mol GOLD

J J
= 25.2 Qwater = (4.18 )(30g)(21° C -20° C )
mol ° C g° C
COPPER = 125.4J

J Qgold = -125.4J
Qwater = (4.18 )(30g)(23.08° C -20° C )
g° C

INVENTADO, SOFIA DAPHNEY B. 5

 Q gold −125.4 J = 423.85J
C= =
m∆T (20 g)(21° C−70 ° C) Qiron = -423.85J
J Qiron −423.85 J
= 0.128 C= =
g°C m∆ T (20 g)(23.38 ° C−70 ° C )
Q gold J
Cn = = = 0.455
n∆T g° C
Qiron
Cn = =
n∆T
−125.4 J
20 g
( )(21° C−70° C)
g −423.85 J
196.966
mol 20 g
( )(23.38 ° C−70° C)
J g
= 25.2 55.845
mol ° C mol
IRON J
= 25.4
mol ° C
J
Qwater = (4.18 )(30g)(23.38° C -20° C )
g° C
Percentage difference of molar heat capacity of corresponding metal to Dulong-Petit constant:
SILVER: GOLD:
25.2−24.9 25.08−24.9
% difference = =1.2 % % difference = =0.72 %
24.9 24.9
COPPER: IRON:
Experiment 5: Law of Specific Heats (Dulong and Petit)
24.9−24.53 25.3−24.9
% difference = =1.49 % % difference = =1.61 %
24.9 24.9

Through the presentation of percentage difference between molar heat of different

metals and the assumpted constant in Dulong-Petit Law, it is evident that the claims of the law is

J
accurate assuming that the constant 24.9 is an approximation. All the results are more or less
mol ° C
close with the claimed value. This means no matter what metal and how heavy the atomic mass of the

J
metal is, its specific heat would still rely to 24.9 .
mol ° C

INVENTADO, SOFIA DAPHNEY B. 6

 0.14
0.12 f(x) = 0.21 x + 0.03
R² = 0.92 SLOPE = 0.211955
Reciprocal of Density 0.1
Y-INTERCEPT = 0.032843
0.08 LINEARITY = 0.960781
Linear ()
0.06 Silver
0.04 Copper
Gold
0.02 Iron
0
0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45 0.5
Specific Heat of Metal

Fig.6. Specific Heat of Metal Vs. Reciprocal of Density

450
400
f(x) = − 553.68 x + 462.22
Thermal Conductivity

350
R² = 0.3
300
250 SLOPE = -553.684
Linear ()
200 Y-INTERCEPT = 462.2163
Silver LINEARITY = 0.544334
150
Copper
100
Gold
50
Iron
0
Experiment
0.1 5: Law
0.15 0.2of Specific
0.25 Heats
0.3 0.35 (Dulong
0.4 0.45 0.5 and Petit)
Specific Heat of Metal

Fig. 7. Specific Heat of Metal Vs. Thermal Conductivity

0.02
0.02
f(x) = 0.04 x − 0 SLOPE = 0.040025275
Reciprocal of Atomic Weight

0.02 R² = 1 Y-INTERCEPT = -8.84519E-06

0.01 LINEARITY = 0.99919968
0.01
0.01 Linear ()
Silver SPECIFIC HEAT =
0.01
Copper C
0.01 +b
Gold CHEMICAL PROPERTY
0
Iron 1
0 =0.04 ( SH )+ (−8.84519E-06 )
AW
0
0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45 0.5
0.04
Specific Heat of Metal SPECIFIC HEAT = + 2.2113 × 10-4
AW
Fig. 8. Specific Heat of Metal Vs. Reciprocal of its Atomic Weight

INVENTADO, SOFIA DAPHNEY B. 7

 The experimental results and discussion may be treated together or separately. This should show how
the data were treated to arrive at your conclusion. Results may be presented in the form of charts or
calculations. Presentation of large masses of essentially raw data must be avoided. Unnecessary
repetition of experimental methods and unsupported hypotheses should be avoided. A sample calculation
should be presented where necessary, showing the formula, the data and constants with their references
Note that plots, charts and calculations are part of the results. They are not the discussion.
The discussion should describe what the results infer. For example, what do increasing/decreasing
trends mean? Is this the expected outcome? What caused the deviations if any? Use the questions in the
Treatment and Analysis/Interpretation of Results to know which results must be presented and
discussed. The discussion of the results must be complete and relevant but concise. It must be written in
paragraph form. All references used in the discussion must be properly cited.
Tables must be properly numbered and captioned (placed on top of the table). All necessary
information must be contained in the caption so that the table can be understood independently. The
layout should also be given serious thought so that the significance of the results can be grasped quickly.
Appropriate titles, labels and units must be indicated in the table. Observe consistent number of decimal
places or significant figures throughout a table. Do not use too many decimal places. The table format
shown in Table 1 is suggested.

Table 1. Measured volume and mass of each sample

Sample Volume (mL) Mass (g)
1 80.00
Experiment 5: Law of Specific Heats (Dulong and Petit) 18.00
2 45.25 9.18
3 23.00 28.45

Figures should also be properly numbered and captioned (placed below the figure). Plots and
charts should be properly labeled, and units of measurement should be identified. Attention should be
given to line thickness, color, lettering and spacing on axes of graphs to ensure ease of interpretation and
clarity. An example of a chart generated from data is shown in Fig. 2.

1.4

1.2
Absorbance base

1
Abs

0.8
neutral
0.6

0.4
400 500 600 700
wavelength

Wavelength (nm)

INVENTADO, SOFIA DAPHNEY B. 8

 Fig. 2. Spectra of methyl red in neutral and basic medium

IV. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

Comment on the validity of the Law. Is there any limitation to this law, such as temperature
dependence, etc.? What would you expect of the molar specific heats when the temperature
approaches absolute zero?
The Law of Dulong and Petit limits only to elements in a solid state. Heavier elements since lighter
elements have lower melting points. This law isn't precisely true, and isn't always true, and is never true
at low temperatures. But it captures some physics that we will later call the equipartition theorem.[H]

Based on your results, did you successfully achieve the objectives of the experiment? Why/Why not?
Explain your answer.
The objective of the experiment is to determine the heat capacities and molar heat capacities of the
given metals.

V. CONCLUSION
This section provides a summary of the results obtained in the experiment by answering the
objectives presented in the Introduction – whether they have been met or not. Comment on the
evidences that you have met your objectives or discuss why you have not met the objectives. Compare
Experiment 5: Law ofvalues
the experimental Specific Heats
arrived (Dulong
at with and Petit)
accepted or literature values. How close or far are they? To what
do you attribute their differences if any? Focus on the results and inferences of the experiment. Do not
repeat what is already stated in the Introduction and Methodology. Since this section mainly contains
information obtained from the experiment or already discussed in previous sections, citations are not
required here.

VI. REFERENCES
This section lists all references used in the report. The content of the reference list should contain
only those that were cited in the text. It should be numbered in the order of their citation. Follow the APA
format in writing the references. Make use of the referencing feature of MS Word for ease of writing. For
references from the internet, remove the hyperlink when writing the URL it was retrieved from.

Sample List of References:

1. A: http://www.chem.latech.edu/~deddy/chem104/L5Calorie.htm
2. B: http://web.lemoyne.edu/~giunta/PETIT.html
3. C: https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/University_of_Missouri/MU
%3A__1330H_(Keller)/05._Thermochemistry/5.5%3A_Calorimetry
4. D: https://www.gusd.net/cms/lib/CA01000648/Centricity/Domain/1822/Lab%20%203-

INVENTADO, SOFIA DAPHNEY B. 9

 3%20Specific%20Heat.pdf
5. E: https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/Bellarmine_University/BU
%3A_Chem_103_(Christianson)/Phase_2%3A_Chemical_Problem-
Solving/6%3A_Thermochemistry/6.2%3A_Calorimetry
6. F: https://www.britannica.com/science/Dulong-Petit-law
7. G: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/thermo/spht.html
8. H:
http://sites.science.oregonstate.edu/~roundyd/COURSES/ph423/schedule/week2/monday/01-
Melting-ice-lab/04-Dulong-Petit-law.html

APPENDIX
This is an optional section and must be included only when necessary. It could contain relevant raw data
and calculations that were used in obtaining the results but are deemed too long (more than 20 data points) or
excessive if placed in the Results and Discussion section. Subsections must be properly identified.

Sample Appendix section:

APPENDIX
A. Sample Calculation of the Heat Transferred in the System
B. Sample Calculation of the Amount of Work Done in the System
Experiment 5: Law of Specific Heats (Dulong and Petit)

Additional Notes to Remember:

- Always use JUSTIFIED alignment for paragraphs.

- Observe consistent margins, indents, font type and size throughout the report. Use Letter-sized
(8.5”x11”) paper for your report.
- ALWAYS PRACTICE INTELLECTUAL HONESTY. Reports that are proven to have been copied from
another student’s work or word-by-word copying from a reference (plagiarism) will be given a grade of
ZERO and subjected to corresponding sanctions.

INVENTADO, SOFIA DAPHNEY B. 10