LAB 3 Specific Heat Capacity (Method of Mixture)
LAB 3 Specific Heat Capacity (Method of Mixture)
AIM: To determine the specific heat capacity of brass by the method of mixtures.
1. Bunsen burner
2. Thermometer
3. Beaker
4. Measuring Cylinder
5. Brass
6. Water
7. String
8. Styrofoam cup
Diagram: Apparatus used for the specific heat capacity of a brass by method of mixture.
METHOD:
Heat a 100g brass mass in boiling water at 100 °C, over a period of time.
Put 100g of water in a Styrofoam cup and measure its temperature.
Shake and quickly transfer the brass from the boiling water to the water in the Styrofoam cup.
Stir the water with the brass mass in it with the thermometer until a steady temperature is reached.
Record the final temperature of the mixture of the brass mass and the water.
Assuming that no heat was gained by the Styrofoam cup, calculate the specific heat capacity of the brass mass.
(Assume that 1cm³ of water = 1g of water)
RESULTS:
Record all results in a suitable table (showing all heading and units)
CACULATIONS:
State formula used and show all working. (remember all units)
Dicussion:
1. Define the specific heat capacity of a substance. State the formula and units.
2. State the formula for method of mixtures.
3. Why is it important to measure the specific heat capacity of materials?
4. Are there other methods besides the method of mixtures to determine specific heat capacity, and how do they
compare in terms of accuracy and convenience?
5. How does the specific heat capacity of water compare to that of brass, and why is this difference significant?
6. Explain why the 100g brass mass was shaken and quickly transferred into the Styrofoam cup.
7. Why use a styrofoam cup?
8. Why was the mixture of the water and the 100g stirred with the thermometer?
9. What are the implications of the assumption of no heat loss in this experiment?
10. How does the specific heat capacity of brass affect its ability to absorb and release heat?
11. How does the concept of conservation of energy apply to this experiment, and why is it a fundamental principle
in thermodynamics?
12. What are the potential sources of error in this experiment, and how can they be minimized?
These questions can lead to deeper discussions and investigations into the principles and applications of specific heat
capacity and calorimetry. Answer them briefly and expound where necessary. Remember to stick to the questions and
write what’s necessary based to the questions.
SOURCES OF ERROR
PRECAUTION/LIMITATION
CONCLUSION:
REFLECTION- THIS IS A PARAGRAPH IN WHICH YOU CLEARLY EXPLAIN WHAT YOU WOUD HAVE LEARN FROM
DOING THE EXPERIMENT. (THIS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL AI)
EXAMPLE- Through conducting this specific heat capacity experiment using the method of mixtures, I have gained a
valuable understanding of how different materials store and release heat energy. This hands-on experience has
highlighted the significance In everyday life, knowing the specific heat capacity of substances like water and metals, such
as brass, is crucial for designing efficient heating and cooling systems. It enables us to predict how much energy is
required to heat or cool a given material and helps in optimizing energy use.