Solve % Error in Specific Heat Capacity: Eh = mcΔT

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The discussion focuses on calculating the approximate percentage error in the specific heat capacity of a liquid using the formula Eh = mcΔT. The values provided include a heater power of (50.0 ± 0.5) W, a mass of (200 ± 10) g, a heating time of (600 ± 1) s, and a temperature rise of (50.0 ± 0.5) °C. The percentage uncertainties for each measurement are calculated, with the power and temperature rise contributing ±1%, mass contributing ±5%, and time contributing ±0.167%. To reduce the percentage error, it is suggested to improve measurement precision, such as using more accurate instruments.

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spoony33
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I have this question for homework and I'm well stuck! The specific heat capacity of a liquid was found by heating a measures quantity of the liquid for a certain length of time. The following results were obtained.
Power of heater: ( 50.0 ± 0.5)W
Mass of liquid: (200 ± 10)g
Time of heating: (600 ± 1)s
Temperature rise: (50.0 ± 0.5)°C

I managed to get the percentage error in each reading but i just don't know how to work out the approximate percentage error in the value of specific heat capacity!

A) What will the approximate percentage error in the value of specific heat capacity?
B) Suggest one way in which to reduce the percentage error obtained for the specific heat capacity?I managed to work out this but i don't know how to work out the approximate percentage error in the value of specific heat capacity?
The percentage of uncertainty of each is:
Power of heater:
(±0.5)/50.0 = ± 1%

Mass of liquid
(±10)/200 = ± 5%

Time of heating:
(±1)/600 = ±0.167 %

Temperature Rise:
(±.5)/50.0 = ± 1%

Thanks

The equation of specific heat capacity is: Eh = mcΔT

E = Energy, J
m = mass, kg
c = Specific heat capacity, J kg-1 °C-1
ΔT = Change in temperature, °C
 
Last edited:
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So C = (Eh)/(mΔT), right?
If a = b*c, what is the relation of Δa/a, Δb/b, Δc/c? (Δa/a is the percentage error of a).
 
Last edited:

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