2.2.2

Specific heat capacity

8 flashcards to master Specific heat capacity

Smart Spaced Repetition

Rate each card Hard, Okay, or Easy after flipping. Your progress is saved and cards are scheduled for optimal review intervals.

Key Concept Flip

A 50g block of aluminium absorbs 450J of energy. Calculate the rise in temperature of the aluminium block. (Specific heat capacity of aluminium = 900 J/kg°C)

Answer Flip

ΔT = Q / (m * c)
ΔT = 450 J / (0.05 kg * 900 J/kg°C)
ΔT = 10°C

The rise in temperature is calculated by dividing the energy absorbed by the product of the mass and specific heat capacity. This relationship stems from the definition of specific heat capacity.

Key Concept Flip

Explain, using the concept of internal energy, why heating a metal block causes its temperature to increase.

Answer Flip

Heating a metal block increases the kinetic energy of its constituent particles (atoms or molecules). This increased kinetic energy corresponds to an increase in the block's internal energy. Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of these particles. Therefore, an increase in internal energy, due to the increased kinetic energy of the particles, results in a rise in the block's temperature.

Key Concept Flip

Explain how an increase in temperature of a copper block relates to the kinetic energy of its particles.

Answer Flip

As the temperature of the copper block increases, the average kinetic energy of the copper atoms increases. This means the copper atoms vibrate more vigorously around their fixed positions in the lattice structure. The higher the temperature, the greater the average kinetic energy and the faster the vibrations.

Key Concept Flip

Describe how the average kinetic energy of particles within a substance changes as its temperature increases. Use the terms 'motion' and 'temperature' in your answer.

Answer Flip

As temperature increases, the average kinetic energy of the particles increases. This means the particles move faster (translational, rotational, or vibrational motion, depending on the state of matter). Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles.

Definition Flip

Define specific heat capacity.

Answer Flip

Specific heat capacity is the energy required per unit mass per unit temperature increase. It is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C (or 1 K).

Key Concept Flip

A 0.5 kg block of aluminum absorbs 10,000 J of heat energy. If the initial temperature of the block was 20°C, and the specific heat capacity of aluminum is 900 J/(kg°C), calculate the final temperature of the block.

Answer Flip

Formula: ΔE = mcΔθ
Rearrange for Δθ: Δθ = ΔE / (mc)
Δθ = 10000 J / (0.5 kg * 900 J/(kg°C))
Δθ = 22.22 °C
Final temperature = Initial temperature + Δθ
Final temperature = 20°C + 22.22°C = 42.22°C
Answer: 42.22 °C

Key Concept Flip

Describe an experiment to determine the specific heat capacity of a solid metal block using an electrical method. Include the measurements you would take and how you would use them to calculate the specific heat capacity.

Answer Flip

Experimental Setup:
1. Insulate the metal block to reduce heat loss.
2. Insert a heater and a thermometer into the block.
3. Record the initial temperature (θ₁).
4. Turn on the heater and record the voltage (V) and current (I).
5. After a measured time (t), record the final temperature (θ₂).

Measurements:
* Mass of the block (m) in kg
* Initial temperature (θ₁) in °C
* Final temperature (θ₂) in °C
* Voltage (V) in V
* Current (I) in A
* Time (t) in s

Calculation:
1. Electrical energy supplied = V × I × t
2. Heat gained by the block = mc(θ₂ - θ₁)
3. Equate the two: V × I × t = mc(θ₂ - θ₁)
4. Rearrange to find c: c = (V × I × t) / (m × (θ₂ - θ₁))

*Explanation: This method uses electrical energy, which can be accurately measured, to heat a known mass of the solid. By measuring the temperature rise and knowing the energy input, the specific heat capacity can be determined.*

Key Concept Flip

A student uses an immersion heater to heat 0.25 kg of water in a beaker. After 5 minutes (300 s) of heating with a 50 W heater, the temperature of the water increases from 20 °C to 35 °C. Calculate the specific heat capacity of water based on this experiment.

Answer Flip

Formula:
* Energy supplied (E) = Power (P) × Time (t)
* Energy absorbed (E) = mass (m) × specific heat capacity (c) × temperature change (Δθ)
* c = E / (m × Δθ)

Working:
1. Calculate the energy supplied by the heater: E = P × t = 50 W × 300 s = 15000 J
2. Calculate the temperature change: Δθ = 35 °C - 20 °C = 15 °C
3. Calculate the specific heat capacity: c = 15000 J / (0.25 kg × 15 °C) = 4000 J kg⁻¹ °C⁻¹

Answer:
The specific heat capacity of water calculated from this experiment is 4000 J kg⁻¹ °C⁻¹.

*Explanation: This calculation uses the energy supplied to the water to determine the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1kg of water by 1°C.*

Review the material

Read revision notes with definitions, equations, and exam tips.

Read Notes

Test yourself

Practice with MCQ questions to check your understanding.

Take Quiz
2.2.1 Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases 2.2.3 Melting, boiling and evaporation

Key Questions: Specific heat capacity

Define specific heat capacity.

Specific heat capacity is the energy required per unit mass per unit temperature increase. It is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C (or 1 K).

About Specific heat capacity (2.2.2)

These 8 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Specific heat capacity for your Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

What You'll Learn

How to Study Effectively

Use the Study Mode button above to test yourself one card at a time. Try to answer each question before flipping the card. Review cards you find difficult more frequently.

Continue Learning

After mastering Specific heat capacity, explore these related topics: