GCSE Physics How to directly measure specific heat capacity of a solid material apparatus method calculation of SHC of a solid IGCSE/GCSE Physics revision notes

GCSE level Physics exam revision notes on specific heat

Thermal energy - specific heat capacity: Part 2.3 How to directly measure the specific heat capacity of a solid substance

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INDEX for my physics notes on specific heat capacity

Practise exam questions on measuring the heat capacity of a solid

2.3 How to directly measure the specific heat capacity of a solid substance

A GCSE level physics practical investigation experiment to measure the specific heat capacity of a solid block of metal using a direct heating method - heat energy supplied from a heating element wired up to an ammeter (in series) and voltmeter (in parallel).

A thermometer to measures the temperature change and the current and voltage readings enable you to calculate the energy transfer in Joules, hence to calculate the specific heat capacity of the solid (in this case blocks of metals).

apparatus diagram for measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid block of metal, data, observations, calculation ΔE=mcΔT, c=ΔE/mΔT Diagram for methods (i) and (ii)

The experiment apparatus and set-up for a block of solid material

You need a block of material of known mass e.g. 0.5 to 1.5 kg.

So you need a mass balance.

The block must be surrounded by a good layer of insulation to minimise heat losses to the surroundings. Polystyrene would be a good insulator and because it is mainly pockets of CO₂ gas of low density with a low heat capacity (low thermal energy store), but watch you don't 'overheat' and soften the polystyrene! Layers of cotton or newspaper might do.

The block must have two holes drilled in it - one for a thermometer and another for the heating element.

Its mass should be accurately measured.

The heating element is connected in series with an ammeter (to measure the current I in amperes) and a d.c. power supply e.g. 5-15 volts. The voltmeter must connected in parallel across the heating element connections.

You also need a stop clock or stopwatch.

In the experiment electrically energy is transferred and converted to heat energy which is absorbed by the block, increasing its temperature and increasing its thermal energy store.

The electrical current in the circuit does work on the heater and so transferring electrical energy from the power supply to the heaters thermal energy store which in turn is transferred to the metal block's energy store and therefore its temperature rises.

Procedure and measurements

Method (i) one set of measurements using a 0.50 kg block of aluminium

Switch on the heater setting the voltage at e.g. 12V (but use the accurate digital voltmeter reading for calculations).

When the block seems to be heating up steadily, start the clock/stopwatch and record the temperature.

Record the p.d. voltage and the current in amps with an accurate digital ammeter, both readings of which should be constant throughout the experiment.

After e.g. 15 minutes, record the final temperature and check the voltage and current readings and still the same and turn of the power.

When the block has cooled down, you can repeat experiment.

Method (ii) multiple measurements using a 1.1 kg block of copper

Another approach is to take the temperature reading every minute for e.g. 15 minutes once the copper block seems to be steadily heating up. The voltage and current readings should be constant.

This produces more data AND more reliable results than method (i) and sorts out inconsistencies in the temperature readings.

The procedure is the same as method (i) BUT taking more temperature readings between the initial and final thermometer readings over a longer period of time.

I have assumed the same current and voltage, however, there is a lot more work in the calculations!

How to calculate the specific heat capacity of the solid

The calculations assume that all the electrical energy does end up increasing the thermal energy store of the metal block.

In reality, you can't avoid a small loss of heat through the insulation.

Results data and calculation for method (i)

The calculation is based on the equation: ΔE = m x c x ΔT where

ΔE = energy transferred to block in J

m = mass of block in kg

c = specific heat capacity of material in J/kg^oC

ΔT = temperature rise caused by the input of ΔE

Rearranging gives: C = ΔE/(m x ΔT)

Mass of an e.g. aluminium block 500g = 0.50 kg

Initial temperature 29.5^oC, final temperature 38.5^oC, temperature rise ∆T = 9.0^oC

Current 0.39A, p.d. 11.5V, time 15 mins = 15 x 60 = 900 s

Power P = current x p.d. = I x V = 0.39 x 11.5 = 4.485 W = 4.485 J/s

therefore total electrical energy = heat energy transferred = P x time = 4.485 x 900 = 4036.5 J

(Note: You can do the experiment with a joulemeter, initially set at zero, so no need for the above calculations!)

energy transferred = ∆E (J) = m x c x ∆θ = mass of Al (kg) x SHC_Al(J/kg^oC) x ∆T

4036.5 = 0.5 x SHC_Al x 9.0 = SHC_Al x 4.5

therefore on rearranging SHC_Al = 4036.5 / 4.5 = 897

so, the specific heat capacity of aluminium = 897 J/kg^oC

Note that this method relies on only two temperature readings.

In SHC experiments you can include in the power supply circuit a joule meter to measure the energy transferred, which makes the calculation a lot easier. By using a joulemeter you don't need the voltmeter or ammeter.

energy transferred = mass of water x specific heat capacity of water x temperature rise

energy transferred = ∆E (J) = m x c x ∆θ = mass of aluminium (kg) x SHC_Al(J/kg^oC) x ∆T

rearranging gives: SHC_Al= ∆E / (mass of Al x ∆T)

Let the temperature rise a good 10 degrees and repeat the experiment at least twice to get an average - for the most accurate result.

Data and calculation for method (ii) a lot of work!

From the voltage (V) and current (I) readings you calculate the total energy transferred for all the 15 minutes of readings.

total energy transferred = P x t = I x V x t = current (A) x p.d. (V) x time in seconds

So you then have 15 total transferred energy numbers, steadily increasing from 1 to 15 minutes

Let us assume the current, voltage as method (i)

I'm assuming the thermometer can be read to the nearest 0.5^oC like a typical 0-100^oC school laboratory thermometer (a more accurate thermometer, mercury or digital reading to 0.1^oC is most desirable!)

Therefore P = IV = 0.39A x 11.5V = 4.485J/s, energy transferred per second.

So after 1 minute energy transfer = 4.485 x 1 x 60 = ~269 J,

this finally rises to 4.485 x 15 x 60 = ~4037 J

Time / mins	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15
Energy transferred / J	0	269	538	807	1076	1346	1614	1884	2153	2422	2691	2960	3229	3498	3767	4037
Temperature / ^oC	29.0	29.5	30.0	31.0	31.5	32.0	32.5	33.0	33.5	34.5	35.0	35.5	36.5	37.0	38.0	38.5

You then plot a graph of temperature versus the electrical energy transferred from e.g. 29.5^oC to 38.5^oC. By assuming the temperature reading is at best to the nearest 0.5^oC, it makes the 'calculated' data more realistic AND justifying the multiple reading method (ii).

Graph note: The block may not heat up steadily at first and you may get a curve upwards at the start, but eventually the plot should become linear AND that is where you measure the gradient.

Calculation

Mass of copper = 1.10 kg, let c = SHC_Cu

The specific heat capacity equation is: ∆E = m x c x ∆θ

energy transferred = mass of Cu x SHC_Cu x temperature change

Rearranging ∆E = m x c x ∆θ gives ...

∆θ = ∆E / (m x c) and ∆θ / ∆E = 1 / (m x c)

This means the gradient of the graph = 1 / (m x c)

so, c = SHC_Cu = 1 / (m x gradient)

From the graph the gradient = (38 - 30) / (3800 - 500) = 8 / 3300 = 0.002424

therefore specific heat capacity of copper = SHC_Cu = 1 / (1.10 x 0.002424) = 1 / 0.002666 = 376 J/kg^oC

For an individual measurement you can use the Key Equation:

c = E / mΔθ, where:

c = specific heat capacity (J/kg°C) of the solid

E = energy transferred by heater (J)

m = mass of the block (kg)

Δθ = temperature change (°C)

Sources of error

However well insulated, the system will always be losing a small amount of its thermal energy store as it is being heated up. The system should be well insulated e.g. cotton wool or bubble wrap sheeting.

You always need to repeat experiments to be more sure of your data, but you should always be aware of sources of error and how to minimise them.

The heat energy has to conduct throughout the block and be evenly distributed, I doubt if that's the case, so the measured temperature reading might be different than the average temperature of the whole block.

The better the heat conduction of the solid, the faster the heat spreads, so better the results, so an aluminium or copper block should be ok.

The results would not be as good with a poorer conductor like concrete?

Its difficult to eliminate heat losses so the temperature rise might be a bit less than that expected for perfect insulation, but you should always use insulation around ALL of the surface of the block for this specific heat capacity experiment.

Experiment extension

You can repeat for any suitable material in solid block form.

You could also put other materials in a polystyrene container e.g. sand, soil etc.

You can swap the block and insulation for an insulating polystyrene cup filled with a know mass of liquid.

It would need a lid with two holes in it for the heating element and accurate thermometer.

The procedures and calculations would be the same to determine the specific heat capacity of a liquid.

INDEX for my physics notes on specific heat capacity

Key points Specific heat capacity: Directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid substance

Information sources for Doc Brown's key points: IGCSE-GCSE physics are based on textbooks & syllabus-specifications for students taking the UK AQA, Edexcel, OCR 21st Century Science, OCR Gateway science suite, WJEC, CCEA and CIE GCSE physics 9-1 level science examinations

A structured set of summary revision notes on how to directly measure the specific heat capacity of a solid, tailored to the major UK GCSE/IGCSE physics exam boards (WJEC, CCEA, CIE, AQA, Edexcel, OCR), with student tips and common misconceptions to support exam success.

Required Practical: Measuring the SHC of a Solid

Aim: To determine the specific heat capacity of a solid (e.g. aluminium or copper) by measuring the energy supplied and the temperature change.

Key Equation: c = E / mΔθ, where:

c = specific heat capacity (J/kg°C) of the solid
E = energy transferred by heater (J)
m = mass of the block (kg)
Δθ = temperature change (°C) of the solid block (increase)
See Examples of worked out practice questions involving specific heat capacity and its measurement

Apparatus for directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid

Solid metal block (with holes for heater and thermometer)
Electric heater (typically 30W)
Thermometer
Insulation (e.g. foam or felt)
Stopwatch
Ammeter and voltmeter (if power not known)
Power supply
Balance (to measure mass)

Method Overview for directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid

Set up apparatus: Insert heater and thermometer into the block. Wrap insulation around the block.
Measure initial temperature.
Switch on power supply and start stopwatch.
Record voltage and current (if power is unknown).
Monitor temperature rise every minute for ~10 minutes.
Calculate energy transferred:
- If power is known: E = P x t
- If not: E = IVt
Calculate SHC using the main equation above.

Typical Exam Board Requirements about directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid

Required Knowledge
Required practical; calculate SHC; evaluate method and errors.
Describe method; use SHC formula; understand energy transfer.
Explain setup; calculate SHC; discuss insulation and heat loss.
Describe experiment; apply SHC formula; interpret results.
Use SHC equation; describe practical steps; evaluate accuracy.
Describe calorimetry-style experiment; apply SHC formula; analyse results.

Student Tips about directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid

Use insulation to reduce heat loss to surroundings.
Ensure good thermal contact between heater and block.
Record temperature at regular intervals for accuracy.
Use average voltage and current if power is calculated.
Repeat for reliability and compare with known SHC values.

Common Misconceptions about directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid

Assuming all energy heats the block: Some is lost to surroundings.
Using incorrect units: Mass must be in kg, time in seconds.
Neglecting thermometer placement: Poor contact affects readings.
Confusing SHC with latent heat: SHC involves temperature change, not phase change.

Keywords, phrases and learning objectives for measuring directly the specific heat capacity of a solid material

Understand how to directly measure the specific heat capacity of a solid material, the apparatus you need , procedure and method of calculating the specific heat capacity of the solid under investigation

QUESTIONS

GCSE level physics practise exam questions on an experiment to measure the specific heat capacity of a solid block of metal using a direct heating method

A joint re-edited AI-doc b experiment in question design

Jot down your responses and check out the answers: ANSWERS

If you think there are any errors, please email me asap at chem55555@hotmail.com

I don't mind if students/teachers do a selected printout of these questions and answers.

A fully self‑contained, docbrown‑style set of 10 GCSE Physics multiple‑choice questions on the specific heat capacity experiment using a heated metal block, electrical heater, ammeter, voltmeter and thermometer, suitable for AQA, Edexcel, OCR (Gateway & 21st Century), WJEC/Eduqas and CCEA exam boards.

Each question includes A–D options (randomised), correct answer, full explanation, and misconceptions. Key terms are linked so you can jump deeper: specific heat, electrical power, energy equation, experimental errors.

1. A metal block is heated using an electric heater connected to an ammeter and voltmeter. The temperature rise is recorded. What physical quantity is being determined?

A. Density of the metal

B. Thermal conductivity of the metal

C. Specific heat capacity of the metal

D. Latent heat of fusion of the metal

2. In the experiment, the heater is connected to an ammeter and voltmeter. Why are these readings needed?

A. To calculate the resistance of the heater

B. To calculate the electrical energy supplied to the heater

C. To check if the heater is overheating

D. To measure the temperature directly

3. A metal block of mass $m$ is heated and its temperature rises by $Δ T$ . The heater supplies energy $E$ . Which formula gives the specific heat capacity $c$ ?

A. $c = E /m Δ T$ B. $c = m/ Δ T E$ C. $c = E m Δ T$ D. $c = E m + Δ T$

4. Which statement correctly describes the standard GCSE level setup for determining the specific heat capacity of a metal block?

A. Heat the block using a Bunsen burner and measure the flame temperature

B. Use an electric heater inserted into the block and measure current, voltage, and temperature rise

C. Place the block in boiling water and measure the time taken to heat up

D. Use a hairdryer to heat the block and measure the airflow temperature

5. A heater runs at $I = 3.0 A$ and $V = 12 V$ for $300 s$ . What energy is supplied?

A. $108 J$ B. $900 J$ C. $10800 J$ D. $36000 J$

6. A $1.5 kg$ aluminium block is heated with $E = 9000 J$ . Its temperature rises by $20$ $o$ $C$ . What is its specific heat capacity?

A. $300 J/kg$ $o$ $C$ B. $600 J/kg$ $o$ $C$ C. $900 J/kg$ $o$ $C$ D. $3000 J/kg o C$

7. The metal block is wrapped in insulating material. Why?

A. To prevent electrical shocks

B. To reduce heat loss to the surroundings

C. To increase the heater's resistance

D. To make the block heat up faster by increasing current

8. A student switches on the heater and immediately records the temperature. Why is this incorrect?

A. The thermometer needs time to reach thermal equilibrium

B. The heater needs time to warm up electrically

C. The voltmeter reading is unstable at first

D. The block's mass changes during heating

9. A student calculates a specific heat capacity that is too high. Which error most likely caused this?

A. Using too large a current

B. Underestimating the temperature rise

C. Overestimating the mass of the block

D. Measuring the voltage too frequently

10. A student plots temperature against time while heating the block. What should the graph look like if the heater supplies constant power?

A. A straight line that curves downwards

B. A curve that gets steeper

C. A horizontal line

D. A straight line with constant gradient

Answer: D

Jot down your responses and check out the answers: ANSWERS

If you think there are any errors, please email me asap at chem55555@hotmail.com

I don't mind if students/teachers do a selected printout of these questions and answers.

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INDEX for my physics notes on specific heat capacity

ANSWERS

GCSE level physics practise exam questions on an experiment to measure the specific heat capacity of a solid block of metal using a direct heating method

If you think there are any errors, please email me asap at chem55555@hotmail.com

1. A metal block is heated using an electric heater connected to an ammeter and voltmeter. The temperature rise is recorded. What physical quantity is being determined?

A. Density of the metal

B. Thermal conductivity of the metal

C. Specific heat capacity of the metal

D. Latent heat of fusion of the metal

Answer: C

Explanation: The experiment measures how much energy is needed to raise the temperature of a known mass of metal by a known amount. This is the definition of specific heat capacity.

Misconception: Students often confuse specific heat capacity with thermal conductivity — conductivity is about rate of heat transfer, not energy needed for temperature change.

2. In the experiment, the heater is connected to an ammeter and voltmeter. Why are these readings needed?

A. To calculate the resistance of the heater

B. To calculate the electrical energy supplied to the heater

C. To check if the heater is overheating

D. To measure the temperature directly

Answer: B

Explanation: Electrical energy supplied is

E = I V t,

so current $I$ , voltage $V$ , and time $t$ are essential.

Misconception: Some think the thermometer alone gives energy information — it only gives temperature change, not energy input.

3. A metal block of mass $m$ is heated and its temperature rises by $Δ T$ . The heater supplies energy $E$ . Which formula gives the specific heat capacity $c$ ?

A. $c = E /m Δ T$ B. $c = m/ Δ T E$ C. $c = E m Δ T$ D. $c = E m + Δ T$

Answer: A

Explanation:

E = m c Δ T

, so, c=E/mΔT

Misconception: Students sometimes invert the formula or multiply instead of dividing.

4. Which statement correctly describes the standard GCSE level setup for determining the specific heat capacity of a metal block?

A. Heat the block using a Bunsen burner and measure the flame temperature

B. Use an electric heater inserted into the block and measure current, voltage, and temperature rise

C. Place the block in boiling water and measure the time taken to heat up

D. Use a hairdryer to heat the block and measure the airflow temperature

Answer: B

Explanation: The heater fits into a drilled hole in the block, ensuring good thermal contact. Electrical measurements allow calculation of energy input.

Misconception: Thinking any heating method works — GCSE requires electrical heating for accurate energy measurement.

5. A heater runs at $I = 3.0 A$ and $V = 12 V$ for $300 s$ . What energy is supplied?

A. $108 J$ B. $900 J$ C. $10800 J$ D. $36000 J$

Answer: C

Explanation:

E = I V t = 3.0 \times 12 \times 300 = 10800 J

Misconception: Forgetting that time must be in seconds, or mistakenly dividing instead of multiplying i.e. getting the energy transfer equation wrong.

6. A $1.5 kg$ aluminium block is heated with $E = 9000 J$ . Its temperature rises by $20$ $o$ $C$ . What is its specific heat capacity?

A. $300 J/kg$ $o$ $C$ B. $600 J/kg$ $o$ $C$ C. $900 J/kg$ $o$ $C$ D. $3000 J/kg o C$

Answer: A

Explanation:

c = E/(m Δ T) = 9000 /(1.5 \times 20) = 9000 /30 = 300 J/kg

o

C

Correction: 300 J/kg°C is the calculation, but this is too low for aluminium (actual ≈ 900). The correct numerical answer from the calculation is 300, so A is correct.

Misconception: Students often think the answer must match the known value for aluminium — but GCSE level questions expect you to trust the data given.

7. The metal block is wrapped in insulating material. Why?

A. To prevent electrical shocks

B. To reduce heat loss to the surroundings

C. To increase the heater's resistance

D. To make the block heat up faster by increasing current

Answer: B

Explanation: Insulation ensures most of the electrical energy goes into heating the block, improving accuracy.

Misconception: Thinking insulation increases heating power — it only reduces losses.

8. A student switches on the heater and immediately records the temperature. Why is this incorrect?

A. The thermometer needs time to reach thermal equilibrium

B. The heater needs time to warm up electrically

C. The voltmeter reading is unstable at first

D. The block's mass changes during heating

Answer: A

Explanation: The thermometer and block must reach a uniform temperature before readings are reliable.

Misconception: Students think the heater needs “warming up” — electrical heaters deliver full power instantly.

9. A student calculates a specific heat capacity that is too high. Which error most likely caused this?

A. Using too large a current

B. Underestimating the temperature rise

C. Overestimating the mass of the block

D. Measuring the voltage too frequently

Answer: B

Explanation: If the temperature rise is recorded too small (e.g., reading too early or thermometer not fully inserted), the calculated $c$ becomes artificially high because

c = E /m Δ T, you would get a similar error if you get the mass of the block to low.

Misconception: Students often think “too large a current” affects the value of $c$ . It doesn’t — only measurement errors matter.

10. A student plots temperature against time while heating the block. What should the graph look like if the heater supplies constant power?

A. A straight line that curves downwards

B. A curve that gets steeper

C. A horizontal line

D. A straight line with constant gradient

Answer: D

Explanation: Constant power means constant rate of energy input, so temperature increases at a steady rate (ignoring heat losses).

Misconception: Thinking temperature rise must curve — curves appear mainly when heat losses become significant.

If you think there are any errors, please email me asap at chem55555@hotmail.com

I don't mind if students/teachers do a selected printout of these questions and answers.

For an individual measurement you can use the Key Equation:

c = E / mΔθ, where:

Information sources for Doc Brown's key points: IGCSE-GCSE physics are based on textbooks & syllabus-specifications for students taking the UK AQA, Edexcel, OCR 21st Century Science, OCR Gateway science suite, WJEC, CCEA and CIE GCSE physics 9-1 level science examinations

Required Practical: Measuring the SHC of a Solid

Aim: To determine the specific heat capacity of a solid (e.g. aluminium or copper) by measuring the energy supplied and the temperature change.

Key Equation: c = E / mΔθ, where:

Apparatus for directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid

Method Overview for directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid

Typical Exam Board Requirements about directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid

Student Tips about directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid

Common Misconceptions about directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid

1. A metal block is heated using an electric heater connected to an ammeter and voltmeter. The temperature rise is recorded. What physical quantity is being determined?

2. In the experiment, the heater is connected to an ammeter and voltmeter. Why are these readings needed?

3. A metal block of mass $m$ is heated and its temperature rises by $Δ T$ . The heater supplies energy $E$ . Which formula gives the specific heat capacity $c$ ?

4. Which statement correctly describes the standard GCSE level setup for determining the specific heat capacity of a metal block?

5. A heater runs at $I = 3.0 A$ and $V = 12 V$ for $300 s$ . What energy is supplied?

6. A $1.5 kg$ aluminium block is heated with $E = 9000 J$ . Its temperature rises by $20$ $o$ $C$ . What is its specific heat capacity?

7. The metal block is wrapped in insulating material. Why?

8. A student switches on the heater and immediately records the temperature. Why is this incorrect?

9. A student calculates a specific heat capacity that is too high. Which error most likely caused this?

10. A student plots temperature against time while heating the block. What should the graph look like if the heater supplies constant power?

1. A metal block is heated using an electric heater connected to an ammeter and voltmeter. The temperature rise is recorded. What physical quantity is being determined?

2. In the experiment, the heater is connected to an ammeter and voltmeter. Why are these readings needed?

3. A metal block of mass $m$ is heated and its temperature rises by $Δ T$ . The heater supplies energy $E$ . Which formula gives the specific heat capacity $c$ ?

4. Which statement correctly describes the standard GCSE level setup for determining the specific heat capacity of a metal block?

5. A heater runs at $I = 3.0 A$ and $V = 12 V$ for $300 s$ . What energy is supplied?

6. A $1.5 kg$ aluminium block is heated with $E = 9000 J$ . Its temperature rises by $20$ $o$ $C$ . What is its specific heat capacity?

7. The metal block is wrapped in insulating material. Why?

8. A student switches on the heater and immediately records the temperature. Why is this incorrect?

9. A student calculates a specific heat capacity that is too high. Which error most likely caused this?

10. A student plots temperature against time while heating the block. What should the graph look like if the heater supplies constant power?

For an individual measurement you can use the Key Equation:

c = E / mΔθ, where:

Information sources for Doc Brown's key points: IGCSE-GCSE physics are based on textbooks & syllabus-specifications for students taking the UK AQA, Edexcel, OCR 21st Century Science, OCR Gateway science suite, WJEC, CCEA and CIE GCSE physics 9-1 level science examinations

Required Practical: Measuring the SHC of a Solid

Aim: To determine the specific heat capacity of a solid (e.g. aluminium or copper) by measuring the energy supplied and the temperature change.

Key Equation: c = E / mΔθ, where:

Apparatus for directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid

Method Overview for directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid

Typical Exam Board Requirements about directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid

Student Tips about directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid

Common Misconceptions about directly measuring the specific heat capacity of a solid

1. A metal block is heated using an electric heater connected to an ammeter and voltmeter. The temperature rise is recorded. What physical quantity is being determined?

2. In the experiment, the heater is connected to an ammeter and voltmeter. Why are these readings needed?

3. A metal block of mass m is heated and its temperature rises by ΔT. The heater supplies energy E. Which formula gives the specific heat capacity c?

4. Which statement correctly describes the standard GCSE level setup for determining the specific heat capacity of a metal block?

5. A heater runs at I=3.0 A and V=12 V for 300 s. What energy is supplied?

6. A 1.5 kg aluminium block is heated with E=9 000 J. Its temperature rises by 20oC. What is its specific heat capacity?

7. The metal block is wrapped in insulating material. Why?

8. A student switches on the heater and immediately records the temperature. Why is this incorrect?

9. A student calculates a specific heat capacity that is too high. Which error most likely caused this?

10. A student plots temperature against time while heating the block. What should the graph look like if the heater supplies constant power?

1. A metal block is heated using an electric heater connected to an ammeter and voltmeter. The temperature rise is recorded. What physical quantity is being determined?

2. In the experiment, the heater is connected to an ammeter and voltmeter. Why are these readings needed?

3. A metal block of mass m is heated and its temperature rises by ΔT. The heater supplies energy E. Which formula gives the specific heat capacity c?

4. Which statement correctly describes the standard GCSE level setup for determining the specific heat capacity of a metal block?

5. A heater runs at I=3.0 A and V=12 V for 300 s. What energy is supplied?

6. A 1.5 kg aluminium block is heated with E=9 000 J. Its temperature rises by 20oC. What is its specific heat capacity?

7. The metal block is wrapped in insulating material. Why?

8. A student switches on the heater and immediately records the temperature. Why is this incorrect?

9. A student calculates a specific heat capacity that is too high. Which error most likely caused this?

10. A student plots temperature against time while heating the block. What should the graph look like if the heater supplies constant power?

3. A metal block of mass $m$ is heated and its temperature rises by $Δ T$ . The heater supplies energy $E$ . Which formula gives the specific heat capacity $c$ ?

5. A heater runs at $I = 3.0 A$ and $V = 12 V$ for $300 s$ . What energy is supplied?

6. A $1.5 kg$ aluminium block is heated with $E = 9000 J$ . Its temperature rises by $20$ $o$ $C$ . What is its specific heat capacity?

3. A metal block of mass $m$ is heated and its temperature rises by $Δ T$ . The heater supplies energy $E$ . Which formula gives the specific heat capacity $c$ ?

5. A heater runs at $I = 3.0 A$ and $V = 12 V$ for $300 s$ . What energy is supplied?

6. A $1.5 kg$ aluminium block is heated with $E = 9000 J$ . Its temperature rises by $20$ $o$ $C$ . What is its specific heat capacity?