Question

You have a choice of three metals A, B, and C, of specific heat capacities 900 Jkg^-1 °C^-1, 380 Jkg^-1 °C^-1 and 460 Jkg^-1 °C-1 respectively, to make a calorimeter. Which material will you select? Justify your answer.

Answer 1

Metal B with specific heat capacity 380 Jkg^-1°C^-1 should be selected to make a calorimeter. By selecting this metal, the heat capacity of the calorimeter will be reduced and the amount of heat energy consumed by it from its contents to acquire their final temperature will also be negligible.