A miniature lab-scale electric furnace containing a 150 W150\text{ W}150 W heating element is used to heat an 80 g80\text{ g}80 g sample of an experimental crystalline alloy from its solid state. The alloy sample is housed in an evacuated, gold-plated chamber to minimise convective and radiative thermal losses.
The temperature θ\thetaθ of the alloy is monitored over a period of time ttt, producing the heating curve shown below:
The graph displays three distinct experimental regions: X, Y, and Z.
Use the graph to calculate the specific heat capacity ccc of the alloy in its solid phase.
Use the graph to determine the specific latent heat of fusion LfL_fLf of the alloy.
Compare the specific heat capacities of the solid state (region X) and liquid state (region Z) of this alloy. Explain your reasoning by referring to the rate of temperature change in both regions.
Describe the difference in molecular motion between the alloy molecules in region X and region Z.
Describe how the internal kinetic energy (KKK) and internal potential energy (PPP) of the molecules evolve in each of the three regions (X, Y, and Z) as time progresses.
State the temperature of the alloy at which the molecules would theoretically possess zero kinetic energy.