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2.2 Thermal properties and temperature

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Question 97
a.

State what is meant by the specific heat capacity of a substance.

[1]
b.

A student carries out an experiment to find the specific heat capacity of copper. She uses an electric heater and a thermometer, inserted into separate holes in a copper block.

The following data are obtained:

  • mass of copper block = 2.5 kg2.5\text{ kg}2.5 kg
  • power of heating element = 195 W195\text{ W}195 W
  • time of heating = 110 s110\text{ s}110 s
  • initial temperature of block = 20.0 ∘C20.0\text{ }^\circ\text{C}20.0 ∘C
  • final temperature of block = 42.0 ∘C42.0\text{ }^\circ\text{C}42.0 ∘C

Calculate the value of the specific heat capacity of copper given by this experiment.

[4]
c.

In the experiment in (b), no attempt is made to prevent loss of thermal energy from the surfaces of the block.

Suggest two actions the student could take to reduce the loss of thermal energy from the surfaces of the block.

[2]
Markscheme

2.2 Thermal properties and temperature Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /2.2 Thermal properties and temperature

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.

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