State what is meant by specific heat capacity.
Water has a very high specific heat capacity. Suggest why this is an advantage when using water in central heating systems (radiators).
In an experiment to measure the specific heat capacity of a metal block, the block is heated in boiling water at 100.0∘C100.0^\circ\text{C}100.0∘C until it has reached the temperature of the boiling water. It is then transferred rapidly to some water in a well-insulated cup. A sensitive thermometer is used to measure the initial and final temperatures of the water in the cup.
Given:
Calculate the temperature rise of the water in the cup and the temperature fall of the metal block.
Calculate the thermal energy gained by the water in the cup. State the equation that you use.
Assume that only the water gained thermal energy from the metal block. Calculate the specific heat capacity of the metal. Give your answer to 3 significant figures.
Suggest one reason why the experiment might not have yielded the correct standard value for the specific heat capacity of the metal.
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.