Determining the Specific Heat of an Unknown Metal
Name:
Louise Arashel
Lab Date:
29/01/20
Lab Report Due Date:
21/01/20
Lab Partner’s Name:
Cut Angelia
Teacher’s Name:
Mr. Manish Shrivastava
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................... 2
Materials and Procedure ................................................................................. 2
Raw Data .......................................................................................................... 3
Analysis and Discussion ................................................................................... 3
Introduction
Research Question :
What is the specific heat capacity and what metal is it?
Objective
:
To determine the specific heat capacity of an unknown metal
sample and to identify that sample based on its specific heat capacity
Background
:
In a calorimeter experiment, heat is transferred from one object
to another in an insulated container called a calorimeter. For instance, when a hot metal piece
(the system) is submerged in water (the surroundings), the metal will cool down while the
water heats up. Nevertheless, because the calorimeter is sealed, the heat is fully transferred
from the device to the surroundings.
Hypothesis
capacity.
:
The easier it is for the metal to conduct heat, the bigger its heat
Materials and Procedure
1. Measure and record the mass of the inner cup of the calorimeter
2. Add cold water (tap water) to the cup until it is about half full. Measure and record the
mass of the cup with water.
1. Using one of the thermometers, measure and record the temperature of the cold water
that you placed in the calorimeter cup. Be sure you wait for the thermometer to
stabilize on a temperature.
2. Using a second thermometer, measure and record the temperature of the hot water
bath holding the metal samples at your lab station. It is assumed that the metals will
be in equilibrium with the hot water bath. Be sure you wait for the temperature to
stabilize as much as you can, and to not rest the tip of the thermometer on the bottom
of the beaker.
3. Carefully and quickly transfer the assigned metal sample from the water bath to your
calorimeter and immediately cover the calorimeter and its contents.
4. Carefully stir the mixture and watch the temperature, record the mixture's temperature
after it has reached thermal equilibrium. (this may take several minutes)
5. Remove the metal sample; dry it completely, then measure and record its mass
6. Record physical characteristics of the metal sample, and record the colour of the label
on its tag.
7. Return the metal sample to the hot water bath so it will heat up again for the next class
8. Remove the water from the inner cup in preparation for the next person's data
collection.
Raw Data
Table 1: Measured values necessary to determine the specific heat capacity of the
unknown metal
Value to be measured/ Appropriate units
Mass of the empty inner cup / g
Mass of the inner cup + water / g
Initial Temperature of the tap
water in cup / °C
Initial Temperature of the metal
in hot water bath / °C
Final Temperature of the water
+ metal / °C
Mass of the metal sample / g
Measured Value
37.22
241.30
24
85
26
51.29
Table 2: Values calculated to ease the determination of the specific heat capacity of the
unknown metal
Mass of Water / g
Absolute value of the Change in
Temperature of the Water / °C
Absolute value of the Change in
Temperature of the Water / °C
204.08
2
59
Analysis and Discussion
1. Show your Calculation for the determination of the specific heat capacity of
your metal sample:
Qwater = Qmetal
204.08 * 4.18 * 2 = 51.29 * C * 59
C = 0.56 J/g°C
2. My metal sample was: Copper
The actual specific heat capacity of my metal sample should be: 0.42 J/g°C
Physical Characteristics of the Metal Sample: Dark, Rusty
3. Determine the percent difference between your experimental value and the
actual value for your metal's specific heat capacity. Show your calculation.
0.42/0.56 * 100 = 75%
100-75 = 35%