In this experiment we used an immersion heater to raise the temperature of water and were asked to calculate the specific heat and uncertainty in the specific heat.
The image above shows an immersion heater rated at 284 watts being submerged in a beaker of water along with a temperature sensor. The temperature changes were recored in logger pro and collected for 20 seconds. Below is an image and calculation of the heat/energy being outputted from the heater, which was 5696 J.
The image below shows the data generated by logger pro. We observed a linear relationship between heat and temperature. The water had an initial temperature of 59 ºC and a final temperature of 62 ºC.
To determine the specific heat, we need to use a linear fit to find the slope of our graph which represents the heat capacity. By using the equation (heat capacity = mc) , we can solve for specific heat. Below shows the calculation.
heat capacity = 1134 J/ºC, which is the slope of our graph.
mass m = 200 g
specific heat = 5.670 J/gºC and uncertainty is +/- 1J/gºC
Summary: In this experiment we were asked to determine the specific heat and uncertainty in specific heat. The theoretical value for specific heat is 4.186 J/gºC. Our experimental value was 5.670 J/gºC, which is why the uncertainty is +/- 1J/gºC.
