Measurement of Specific Heat: (Mixing Method) and Calorimeter

The specific heat of a solid object can be determined using the mixing method with a calorimeter. A calorimeter is a device that helps measure heat exchange without losing energy to the surroundings.

Process:

1. A hot solid object is placed in cool water inside the calorimeter.
2. Heat exchange occurs until all three (the solid object, water, and calorimeter) reach the same final temperature.
3. The heat lost by the hot object is completely transferred to the water and the calorimeter.

Principle of Heat Exchange:

Heat lost by the solid object = Heat gained by water + Heat gained by calorimeter

Formulas Used:

Heat lost by the solid object

Q = m_sc_sΔT_s​

Where:

• m_s​ = Mass of the solid object
• c_s​ = Specific heat of the solid object
• ΔT_s = Temperature decrease of the solid

Heat gained by the water

Q₁ = m_wc_wΔT_w​

Where:

• m_w​ = Mass of water
• c_w = Specific heat of water
• ΔT_w​ = Temperature increase of water

Heat gained by the calorimeter

Q₂ = m_cc_cΔT_c​

Where:

• m_c​ = Mass of the calorimeter
• c_c​ = Specific heat of the calorimeter
• ΔT_c​ = Temperature increase of the calorimeter

Since energy is conserved,

Q = Q₁ + Q₂​

By using this equation and knowing the values of mass, temperature changes, and specific heat of water and the calorimeter, the specific heat of the solid object can be calculated.