Leader: Sollano, Frederiko Ma. Alessandro T.

2B - MT
Member: Somo, John Carlo R. Date Performed: Oct 14, 2014
Sopoco, Marc Andrew M. Date Submitted: Oct 21, 2014
Sotong, Ma. Patricia Gabriel J.
Tia, Queenie Rica Chen R.
Venturina, Flian Lyra L.
Expteriment # 7
Specific Heat of Aluminum
Abstract:
Specific heat is the amount of heat per unit of mass required to increase the temperature
of an object by one degree Celsius. The specific heat differs depending on the objects
composition. In this experiment, aluminum was computed for its specific heat using a calorimeter
set-up. Utilizing a string tied to an aluminum block, it was placed in boiling water until it reached a
certain temperature, which then was placed into cold water within a calorimeter set-up and was
recorded of its temperature. Before this, the calorimeter, the aluminum cube, ice water was
weighed, and measurement of temperature changes in the calorimeter system, and its
components were noted. Upon receiving all the information previously mentioned, experimental
value of the specific heat of the metal: aluminum was computed and was compared to its
standard value.
Question & Answer:
1. Define the ff:
a. Heat (In physics) heat is a form of energy defined by the movement of
molecules and atoms of an object and is indicated by change of temperature. The higher
the temperature, the faster the movements of the molecules are.
b. Heat Capacity The measurable physical quantity defined by the amount of heat
required to raise an objects temperature for a given amount.
2. Why is it desirable to have the water a few degrees colder than room temperature when
the initial temperature is taken?
It is desirable to have the water a few degrees colder than room temperature when
initial temperature is taken because the temperature of the final calorimeter system,
which also equals to final temperature of water, will be above the room temperature by
the same amount; therefore having the initial temperature of water colder will allow an
equal absorption of heat from surroundings, and releasing of heat after it exceeds room
temperature. In effect, the experiment will yield a much more accurate calculation of
specific heat.

3. Why is the mass of the outer shell of the calorimeter and the insulating ring is not
included in the data for this experiment?
The mass of the outer shell of the calorimeter and the insulating ring is not
included in the data for this experiment because it is assumed that the inner shell is in a
closed or isolated system. This means that no heat is assumed to exchange between the
surroundings and the calorimeter, which in effect will help in the calculation of the specific
heat of the material, as it needs specifically changes only happening between the
calorimeter system and its components.
4. What does the experiment show about the specific heat of water?
Based on the experiment, it was confirmed that water has a higher specific heat as
it requires more energy or amount of heat absorbed to raise temperature compared to the
aluminum block.
5. How does the conductivity of the metal used in this experiment affect the accuracy of
the results?
The conductivity of the metal used in this experiment determines the increase or
decrease accuracy of results. This accuracy may be determined by several factors relating
to the rate of conductivity of the metal. This includes the nature (element), the surface
area (exposure to heat) and thickness.
6. Why should the hot metal be dry before it is introduced into the cold water?
The hot metal should be dry before introducing into the cold water because the
water clinging to the hot metal (right after removal from the boiling water) also contains
heat and has higher amount of heat, which will yield a higher final temperature reading on
the calorimeter system leading to huge errors in calculation for the specific heat of the
metal.

Problem: 837 calories of heat are required to heat 100.00 grams of copper from 0.0 C to
100.0 C. What is the specific heat of copper?


Q
copper
= (m
copper
)(c
copper
)(T)
837 cal = (100g)(C
copper
)(100C - 0C)
837 cal = (100 g)(100C)(C
copper
)
837 cal = 10,000 g*C(C
copper
)
837 cal / 10000 g * C = C
copper
0.0837 g * C = C
copper
0.08 g* C C
copper

0.08 g* C is the specific heat of copper