A student uses a 2000 W2000\text{ W}2000 W electric heater to determine the specific heat capacity of olive oil.
The student pours 1.2 kg1.2\text{ kg}1.2 kg of olive oil into a beaker. He uses a thermometer to measure the temperature of the oil.
The heater is switched on and left on for 60 s60\text{ s}60 s. The temperature of the oil increases by 50∘C50^\circ\text{C}50∘C.
The student assumes that all the electrical energy from the heater is transferred as thermal energy to the olive oil.
Calculate the value for the specific heat capacity of olive oil obtained by the student.
State and explain whether the value for the specific heat capacity obtained by the student is too large or too small.
528 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 2.2 Thermal properties and temperature, covering 2.2.1 Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases, 2.2.2a Internal energy and temperature, 2.2.2b Specific heat capacity, 2.2.3a Melting, boiling, condensation and solidification, 2.2.3b Evaporation, and 2.2.3c Cooling by evaporation. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.