Specific Heat Capacity Investigation
Ever wondered why metal feels colder than wood at the same temperature? This experiment reveals how different materials store thermal energy by measuring specific heat capacity - the energy needed to heat 1kg of material by 1ยฐC.
You'll set up a simple circuit with an immersion heater connected to a power pack, using an ammeter (in series) and voltmeter (in parallel) to measure electrical energy. The metal block sits in insulating material to prevent heat loss, with a thermometer monitoring temperature changes.
The method is straightforward: measure the block's mass, record initial temperature, heat it for a few minutes, then calculate using ฮE = mass ร SHC ร ฮtemp. Different metals like aluminium, copper, and steel will show dramatically different results.
Top Tip: Keep the current low and steady - high currents can damage your equipment and give inaccurate readings due to rapid temperature changes.