Experiments on Calorimetry
Measuring specific heat capacity of a solid
1. At first, we will make two holes in the block.
2. Measure the mass of the block.
3. Setup the apparatus as shown in the figure below (figure 1(a)).
4. Measure the initial temperature (Θ1).
5. Switch on the current and stopwatch.
6. Wait for considerable rise in temperature.
7. Measure current by using ammeter and voltage by using voltmeter.
8. Switch off the current and stopwatch.
9. Measure the final temperature (Θ2) and time (t) from stopwatch.
10. Energy gained by block = energy gained by heater
mc(Θ2 – Θ1) = IVt
𝐼𝑉𝑡
𝑐=
𝑚(𝛩! − 𝛩" )
Precaution (safety): Use gloves to handle hot object.
Precaution (accuracy): 1. Use logging around the block to reduce heat loss.
2. Add oil in the holes to ensure proper conduction.
3. Wait for some time after switch off to take final temperature, so that it reaches
thermal equilibrium.
Note: To measure the specific heat capacity of a liquid the process followed is very similar.