Question

Describe a method to determine the specific heat capacity of a solid, like a piece of copper.

Answer 1

The given solid is weighed and then heated by placing it in a beaker containing boiling water. The steady temperature of the solid is noted. A calorimeter with stirrer is weighed. The calorimeter is then filled with water and weighed again. Thus, the mass of water used is calculated. Initial temperature of water is noted. Solid is then transferred into calorimeter. The contents are stirred and final temperature is noted.
Mass of calorimeter with stirrer = m₁ g
Specific heat capacity of calorimeter = C₁ (given)
Mass of water taken = m₁ g
Specific heat capacity of water = c, (given)
Mass of solid = m₁ g
Specific heat capacity of the solid (to be determined) = c_J
Initial temperature of the solid = x°c
Initial temperature of water +Calorimeter = y°c
Final temperature of the mixture = z°c
Heat lost by the solid = Heat gained by the calorimeter and water

m₃C₃(x - z) = m1C₁(z - y) + m₂C₂(z - y)

                   = (m₁C₁ + m₂C₂)(z - y)

`"C"_3 = (("m"_1"C"_1 + "m"_2"C"_2)("z" -"y" ))/("m"_3( "x" - "y")`

i.e. the specific heat capacity of the solid is calculated.