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Heat Experiments - Practical Tips

The document provides practical notes for conducting heat experiments, emphasizing the importance of accurate temperature readings and minimizing heat loss. It suggests using specific materials and methods, such as a 0.1 °C thermometer, polished calorimeters, and insulation techniques to improve accuracy. Additionally, it recommends repeating experiments for reliable results and ensuring proper handling of materials to prevent errors.

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Richmond Yuoni
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4 views1 page

Heat Experiments - Practical Tips

The document provides practical notes for conducting heat experiments, emphasizing the importance of accurate temperature readings and minimizing heat loss. It suggests using specific materials and methods, such as a 0.1 °C thermometer, polished calorimeters, and insulation techniques to improve accuracy. Additionally, it recommends repeating experiments for reliable results and ensuring proper handling of materials to prevent errors.

Uploaded by

Richmond Yuoni
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Heat Experiments – Practical Notes

o Most of the errors in these experiments arise from inaccurate temperature


readings, so it is advisable to use a 0.1 °C thermometer. Avoid small
temperature changes in the experiments as these can result in large possible
percentage errors.
o Also, avoid having too large temperature differences between the calorimeter
and its surroundings. Remember that the rate with which heat flows from one
place to another (e.g. calorimeter and surroundings) is dependent on the
temperature difference between the two places.
o Take temperature readings at eye level so as to avoid the error of parallax. A
small magnifying glass can help in accurately determining the correct
thermometer reading.
o Use of a highly polished calorimeter reduces heat loss by radiation.
o Use of a lid on the calorimeter reduces heat losses by convection and
evaporation.
o A stirrer, if used, should be of the same material as the calorimeter. The mass of
the stirrer should be included in the mass of the calorimeter. Thermometers are
widely used in practice as stirrers but mercury-in-glass ones often break,
releasing the mercury, which is toxic.
o Always stir the liquid in a calorimeter before taking a reading, and take the
highest or lowest (whichever it may be) steady temperature.
o In electrical methods, where a constant current is required, always include a
rheostat.
o When a heating coil is used it must always be completely covered with liquid to
prevent it ‘burning out’
o A polystyrene cup is a useful object in heat experiments as it has a negligible
mass and heat capacity and almost all the heat energy goes into the liquid
contained in the cup. This reduces the final calculations.
o Substances added to water in a calorimeter (e.g. ice) should be transferred
quickly, but without splashing.
o When time allows, experiments should always be repeated, and an average value
of the quantity to be measured taken.
o Insulation or lagging (draught proofing) is all important in experimental work on
heat, as quite a lot of thermal energy can be lost (or gained) to (from) the
surroundings. Any good insulating material like polystyrene, cotton wool, felt or
straw may be used. A piece of ‘aero board’ placed underneath the calorimeter as
a stand will also help.
o To minimize heat losses/gains to/from the surroundings, start with the
calorimeter a few degrees below room temperature and finish with it an equal
amount above room temperature (or vice versa if the experiment involves
cooling).

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