Thermodynamics: Specific Heat

Determine the specific heat of a metal object and identify the metal based on its specific heat.

Lab Summary:

The relationship between temperature and heat can be very perplexing to students. In this activity your students will measure a change in temperature to show a transfer of heat energy. With careful measurement of mass and temperature change they will build a very physical understanding of heat transfer the capacity of different metals to absorb and release heat energy (specific heat).

Download Free Lab  (PDF, 388 KB)

(student version)

Method:

Use a Temperature Probe to measure the change in temperature of a known amount of water when a sample of metal of known mass and initial temperature is put into the water.

Here's What You Need:

Probeware

• PASPORT Fast Response Temperature Probe (3 pack) (PS-2135)
• Xplorer GLX Graphing Datalogger (PS-2002)
  (or alternate PASPORT interface -- see other options)

Other Materials

• Basic Calorimetry Set (TD-8557)
• OHAUS Triple Beam Balance w/o Tare (SE-8723)
• Graduated Cylinder, 50 mL (12 pack) (SE-7289)
• Braided Physics String, 300 m (SE-8050)
• Stir rod
• Towel
• Water, 300 mL
• Ice, cubed or crushed, 100 mL

Lab Manual:

This activity is included in Physics with the Xplorer GLX (PS-2826), complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data for a total of 35 probeware-based labs. For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware necessary for the activities in the manual. For more information on these resources and bundles, click here.