Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 2: Problem 49

Design an experimental procedure for determining the specific heat of a metal.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The specific heat of the metal can be experimentally determined by first measuring the initial temperatures of the hot water and the metal sample and the mass of the metal sample. The metal sample is then placed in a calorimeter with the hot water, and the system is left to reach a uniform final temperature. By assuming the heat lost by the water equals the heat gained by the metal, we can use the formula for specific heat (c = q/m*ΔT) to calculate the specific heat of the metal.

Step by step solution

01

Materials Needed

Collect the following materials: a metal sample, a calorimeter (or an insulating cup), a thermometer, a balance for measuring mass, and a hot water source.
02

Safety Considerations

Always be careful when working with hot water and hot metal samples to avoid burns. Use appropriate safety gear such as gloves and safety glasses.
03

Initial Measurements

Measure the initial temperature of both the hot water and the metal sample with the thermometer. Also, use the balance to measure the mass of the metal sample. Record these values.
04

Transfer of Thermal Energy

Place the metal sample in the calorimeter, then add the hot water. Cover the calorimeter to minimize heat loss to the environment.
05

Final Temperature Measurement

Stir the mixture and allow it to sit until a steady temperature is reached - this will be the final temperature.
06

Calculation

Calculate the specific heat (c) of the metal using the formula: \(c = \frac{q}{m \cdot \Delta T}\), where \(q\) is the heat energy absorbed or released (the heat lost by the hot water equals the heat gained by the metal sample), \(m\) is the mass of the sample, and \( \Delta T\) is the change in temperature.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the product of 0.8102 \(\mathrm{m}\) and 3.44 \(\mathrm{m} ?\)

An object has a mass of 57.6 \(\mathrm{g} .\) Find the object's density, given that its volume is 40.25 \(\mathrm{cm}^{3} .\)

Express 743000000 in scientific notation to the following number of significant figures: a. one significant figure b. two significant figures c. four significant figures

Perform the following calculations, and express the answers with the correct number of significant figures. $$\begin{array}{l}{\text { a. } 2.145+0.002} \\ {\text { b. }(9.8 \times 8.934)+0.0048} \\ {\text { c. }(172.56 / 43.8)-1.825}\end{array}$$

How many significant figures does the answer to \(\left(1.36 \times 10^{-5}\right) \times\left(5.02 \times 10^{-2}\right)\) have?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free