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This laboratory report documents the procedures and results of an experiment conducted to investigate the heat capacity of water.
How is the voltage related to the change in water temperature over a certain amount of time?
Prior to conducting the experiment, I reviewed Section 5.10 in the Physics Book about the heat capacity of water to gain a basic understanding of the topic. Additionally, I utilized information provided by our teacher to ensure accurate data collection and calculations for this laboratory investigation.
Heat capacity refers to a material's ability to absorb thermal energy, leading to an increase in its temperature.
Some materials, such as aluminum, have a greater capacity for absorbing thermal energy.
Prediction: It is predicted that as the water is heated over time, it will gain kinetic energy, resulting in an increase in temperature.
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Higher kinetic energy will correspond to a greater temperature rise.
Hypothesis: If the heating element remains immersed in the water for an extended duration, the temperature of the water will increase due to the transfer of kinetic energy into thermal energy. This phenomenon is consistent with the principles outlined in our Physics book.
Ensure proper connections before turning on the Power Pack.
Do not turn on the Power Pack until all connections are verified to be correct. There is a risk of electric shock if the Power Pack is turned on with incorrect wiring.
The preliminary testing was conducted with the participation of Sascha, Chloe, Gary, and Naila. We meticulously recorded data while maintaining precise timing and intervals, although minor equipment reading errors may have occurred.
In this section, we present the results of the preliminary tests, which were conducted to check the equipment for any factors that could affect the results. We initially ran a 10-minute test to identify and correct issues. For instance, we discovered that the Voltage regulator was set at 9 Volts instead of 12V, and promptly rectified this.
The table below displays the calculated energy values and temperature changes observed during the tests.
| Test | Starting Temperature (°C) | At 2 min (°C) | At 4 min (°C) | At 6 min (°C) | At 8 min (°C) | At 10 min (°C) | Average Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test 1 | 18°C | 18°C | 20°C | 21°C | 20°C | 20°C | 19.8°C |
| Test 2 | 20°C | 21°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22.5°C | 24°C | 22.3°C |
| Test 3 | 19°C | 19°C | 19°C | 20°C | 19°C | 21°C | 19.6°C |
| Test 4 | 18°C | 18°C | 20°C | 18°C | 20°C | 21°C | 19.4°C |
| Test 5 | 21°C | 21°C | 21°C | 23°C | 23°C | 25°C | 22.6°C |
For the calculations, the following formulas were utilized:
The following table summarizes the calculations and results used to determine the heat capacity of water:
| Voltage (V) | Ammeter (A) | Time (s) | Energy (J) | Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 3.62 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | 3.62 | 120 | 3909.6 | 1 |
| 9 | 3.62 | 240 | 7819.2 | 2 |
| 9 | 3.62 | 360 | 11728.8 | 3 |
| 9 | 3.62 | 480 | 15638.4 | 3.5 |
| 9 | 3.62 | 600 | 19548 | 4 |
| 9 | 3.62 | 720 | 23457.6 | 5 |
| 9 | 3.62 | 840 | 27367.2 | 5.5 |
| 9 | 3.62 | 960 | 31276.8 | 7 |
| 9 | 3.62 | 1080 | 35186.4 | 8 |
| 9 | 3.62 | 1200 | 39096 | 9.5 |
The table above provides average data, which is essential for accurate results. To calculate the energy used in the experiments, we multiplied voltage, current, and time.
The data presented in the table and graph indicate a small error in our results, likely attributed to several potential sources of error as mentioned earlier. While the experiment generally proceeded well, it is disappointing to observe a slight discrepancy in our data. In conclusion, the results could have been more precise if we had addressed the suggested improvements.
Considering our results, it is evident that there is an error of approximately 24.5%. However, it is important to acknowledge the numerous factors that may have influenced the experiment's outcome.
Heat Capacity of Water: Laboratory Report. (2024, Jan 05). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/document/heat-capacity-of-water-laboratory-report
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