Physical Science Institute
Summer 2013
Thermal Energy
Predict, Observe, Explain
Teachers guide
Set up procedure:
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Measure 100ml of water into two separate Styrofoam cups.
Heat about 400ml of water on a hot plate until water is boiling.
Submerge aluminum cube and 3 oz lead fishing weight.
Have two VERNIER thermometer probes attached to the LABQUEST2.
Begin recording the temperature of the water in the Styrofoam cups.
Quickly transfer the metal samples into the Styrofoam cups.
Continue collecting temperature data until the temperatures remain fairly constant.
PREDICT
Which of the following is the correct prediction for the final temperature of the water in each
cup?
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CORRECT RESPONSE - The water heated by the aluminum will reach a higher temperature
than the water heated by the lead.
OBSERVE
Observe the highest temperature reached by each.
Water containing Lead
Water containing Aluminum
25⁰C
33⁰C
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Physical Science Institute
Summer 2013
EXPLAIN
Explain the results of your observation.:
The specific heat of Aluminum is greater than that of lead. This means that the Aluminum absorbed
more energy than the lead during the heating process. As a result, the Aluminum contains much
more energy. Therefore it transfers more energy into the water.
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