Preparation and Setup

1. Weigh the Calorimeter Block

   • Use an electronic balance to weigh the calorimeter block in kilograms.

   • Record the weight and material type in a table with columns for weight, temperature, and time.

2. Insulate the Block

   • Place the calorimeter block in an insulating jacket to minimize heat loss.

3. Insert the Heater and Thermometer

   • Insert the immersion heater into the large hole in the calorimeter block.

   • Add one or two drops of water into the small hole to improve thermal contact.

   • Insert the thermometer into the small hole.

4. Set Up the Circuit

   • Connect the immersion heater, ammeter, and power supply in series.

   • Connect the voltmeter across the immersion heater.

Conducting the Experiment

1. Start Heating

   • Set the power supply to 12V and switch it on to power the heater.

   • Record the initial readings on the voltmeter and ammeter. These values should remain constant throughout the experiment.

2. Record Temperature Changes

   • Note the starting temperature on the thermometer.

   • Start the stopwatch and record the temperature every 60 seconds for 10 minutes.

3. Switch Off and Handle Safely

   • After 10 minutes, switch off the power supply.

   • Avoid touching or moving the calorimeter block, as it will be hot.

Repeat the Experiment

1. Test with Different Materials

   • Repeat Steps 1–7 for calorimeter blocks made of different materials.

Calculations and Analysis

1. Calculate the Heater’s Power

   • Multiply the voltmeter reading by the ammeter reading to calculate the power of the heater in watts.

2. Calculate Energy Transfer

   • For each recorded temperature, calculate the energy transferred (work done) by the heater using the formula:
     Energy Transfer (J) = Power (W) × Time (s)

   • Add these values to your table.

3. Plot the Results

   • Plot a graph with Temperature (°C) on the y-axis and Work Done (J) on the x-axis.

   • Draw a line of best fit, noting that the initial part of the graph may curve.

4. Determine the Gradient

   • Calculate the gradient of the straight portion of the line of best fit:
     Gradient = Change in Temperature ÷ Change in Work Done

5. Calculate Specific Heat Capacity

   • Use the formula to calculate the specific heat capacity of the block:
     Specific Heat Capacity (J/kg/°C) = 1 ÷ Gradient

   • This represents the energy needed to raise the temperature of the block by 1°C per kilogram of its mass.

6. Repeat for Each Material

   • Repeat the calculations for each block, comparing the specific heat capacities of the different materials.