Effect of TIME on SPECIFIC HEAT?

[donkeycopter]

We did an experiment using a calorimeter in class, where we dropped a hot piece of metal into water in the calorimeter. We measured initial temp of metal + water, and the final equilibrium temperature. This allowed us to calculated the specific heat of the unknown metal (we also had the mass etc).


However, we also were asked to measure the TIME taken to reach equilibrium after the metal was added to the water, but why? What significance does the time to reach equilibrium have?

Thanks!

 

[donkeycopter]

What graphs should I draw?

We did an experiment using a calorimeter in class, where we dropped a hot piece of metal into water in the calorimeter. We measured initial temp of metal + water, and the final equilibrium temperature. This allowed us to calculated the specific heat of the unknown metal (we also had the mass etc). We also measured the time taken to reach equilibrium temperature.

What graphs should I plot though? We were told to plot graphs but I've got no idea what to plot.

Thanks!

 

[Rajini]

you may plot temperature variation with time!