SUMMARY
The forum discussion centers around a calorimetry lab experiment aimed at determining the specific heat of an unknown metal using water as a heat transfer medium. The experiment involved heating the metal to 100°C (boiling point) and then placing it in room temperature water, measuring the temperature change. The user initially calculated a specific heat of 50 J/g°C, which was incorrect, as the specific heat of metals is typically less than 1 J/g°C. Through collaborative troubleshooting, the user corrected their temperature inputs and recalculated the specific heat, arriving at a more plausible value of 0.084 J/g°C.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of specific heat capacity and its calculation
- Familiarity with calorimetry principles
- Basic knowledge of temperature scales (Celsius and Fahrenheit)
- Proficiency in using spreadsheet software for data analysis
NEXT STEPS
- Review the principles of calorimetry and heat transfer
- Learn how to accurately measure temperature changes in experiments
- Explore the use of Google Sheets for scientific data analysis and formula implementation
- Investigate common sources of error in calorimetry experiments
USEFUL FOR
Students conducting physics experiments, educators teaching calorimetry, and anyone interested in understanding heat transfer and specific heat calculations.