Heat capacity and specific heat capacity, the equation Q = mcΔθ, determining c for metals and liquids by the electrical method and the method of mixtures, and sources of error.
5 narrated scenes. Press play, listen and read along — the points appear as they are explained. Use ‹ Prev / Next › or the scene bar to jump to any scene.
A Caribbean beach is too hot to walk on at noon, yet the sea beside it is pleasantly cool. Water needs far more energy than sand to change its temperature.
Narration uses your device’s built-in voice. No sound? Switch to “Captions only” — the captions advance on their own.
Copy these into your notebook in your own words — that is how they stick.
Energy to raise the temperature of the whole object by 1 °C; J/°C.
Energy to raise 1 kg by 1 °C; J/kg °C.
C = mc.
Q = mcΔθ.
c = 4 200 J/kg °C.
E = Pt = VIt; c = E ÷ mΔθ.
Heat lost by hot body = heat gained by cold body.
Heat lost to surroundings makes c too large; lag and use oil, stir.
3 quick games on this lesson. Earn XP and badges as you play — your best score for each game is saved. Games are for practice and do not change your exam readiness. More games in the Physics Arcade.
8 items modelled on real CSEC Paper 1 questions. Choose one answer for each, then check. Aim for 80% or better. Work each item on paper first.
Write full answers, then reveal the mark scheme and tick the points you earned (15 marks in total). Show all your working — method marks count. Your answers are saved on this device.
Question 1 [15 marks]
A 0.50 kg aluminium block is heated by a 100 W electric heater for 180 s. Its temperature rises from 20 °C to 60 °C. A calculator may be used.
(a) (a) Define specific heat capacity. [2]
(b) (b) Calculate the energy supplied by the heater. [3]
(c) (c) Calculate the specific heat capacity of aluminium. [3]
(d) (d) The accepted value is 900 J/kg °C. State two ways to ensure the temperature reading is as accurate as possible. [2]
(e) (e) State the effect of heat lost to the surroundings on the calculated value of c, with a reason. [2]
(f) (f) Explain why sea water stays cooler than sand during the day. [3]
Find these in your own past-paper booklets for extra timed practice. Items above are written in the style of these papers; any adapted from a specific question say so.