LABORATORY REPORT

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Calirometry
By Musab Aksakal and Tom Wardell

Abstract
The amount of heat required to change the temperature of a material is proportional to the
mass and the temperature change on that material shown in the formula
Q=m c T

Where

Q = Heat energy in Joules

m = Mass in Kilograms
c = Specific Heat of object being heated or cooled in
Joules / (Kilogram Kelvin)
T = Change in temperature of object in Kelvin

Specific Heat ( c )
Is the defined as the heat needed to increase the temp of 1Kg of a substance by 1C or 1
Kelvin degree.
The experiments that we did in the lab were to determine the specific heat capacity of water
by heating water via an electric current from a power source and to determine the
composition of two mystery metals by measuring their specific heat capacitys. We did the
first experiment by filling an aluminium calorimeter with distilled water and then running a
current through the water heating it up for a specific time and then recorded all the data from
the experiment. The second experiment was executed by heating a metal samples in water so
that the temperature of the metal would reach 100C then once the metal was at 100C we
filled a Polystyrene cup with distilled water and put it in a foam calorimeter measured the
initial temp of the water and then place the metal sample in the water in in the calorimeter
and watched the temperature increase inside, once the temperature stoped rising we recorded
the final temp of the water, then repeated for the second metal sample. The values we got for
the first experiment were 4100 230 J Kg^ (-1) K^ (-1).The accepted value for the specific
heat of water is 4186 J Kg^ (-1) K^ (-1) therefore we are within the specific value with the
uncertainty calculated. The precent difference from the actual value is 2.05%. The values we
got for the second experiment were for the yellow metal 376 16.8 J Kg^ (-1) K^ (-1), the
first metal which we assume is brass lies within the accepted specific heating value for brass,
our value 376 only 1.05% off the accepted value 380 (the specific heat of Brass) making it
near the value of Brass which is a yellow coloured metal. For the silver metal we got the
value of 406 17.5 J Kg^ (-1) K^ (-1) making it near the value of Zinc. The second metal
which we assume is Zinc has the accepted value of 380 J Kg^ (-1) K^ (-1) and our value was
406. 17.5 J Kg^ (-1) K^ (-1) so our value lies outside the accepted value by about 9 making
it 4.91% off.

INTRODUCTION Part A
(Giancoli 2005) discusses how Calirometry can be used as a method of distinguishing a
particular elements specific heat. This theory can be tested using a setup of insulated water
with in a calorimeter kept at room temperature with a set current/voltage running through a
resistive heating element within the water which increases its temperature, thus working out
the (change of) value in temperature we can solve for c (specific heat capacity). For our
experiment in Part A: we used this method in our approach to calculating the value of specific
heat in water. The formula in our basis of calculation for specific heat in water is shown
below:

IVt = mcT
Where T is the time during current inducement within the calorimeter, I is the current
induced into the water with V being the voltage of the current. Our mass of water used m and
T the temperature change during the experiment. c the value we must calculate, specific
heat.
Aim
The aim of the experiment was to calculate the specific heat of water but how accurately we
calculated it is the main assessment of our report. To compare the calculated specific heat of
water with its accepted value is also our aim.
INTRODUCTION Part B
As discussed in (Giancoli 2005) the principles of Calirometry, we used the same principles
for our experiment in part B. The experimental method of Calirometry can also determine a
certain placed elements specific heat within the insulated water. This theory can be tested by
following the same procedures as Part A but inserting a element heated to 373 K. The
insertion will then increase the insulated waters temperature to a certain amount and as a
result we solved for c the specific heat of the element to obtain our result. The following
formula will be used as a basis of our calculations:

mc(t-t) = mc(t-t) + mc(t-t)

Where m mass of solid element no.1, m mass of water no.2 and m the mass of calorimeter.
T the temperature change during the experiment. c the value we must calculate, specific
heat of the element. c specific heat of water. c specific heat of aluminium.
Aim

The aim of this experiment is to calculate the specific heat of a certain element and to
determine which element was used during our experiment. The identification of two given
elements is what we will be assessed on. Also accuracy and uncertainty is a important factor.
PROCEDURE Part A
1. The calorimeter experiment was setup by weighing the mass of the calorimeter itself
We then weighed the mass of the calorimeter with water contained within it to
calculate the specific mass of water used.
2. At this stage, the mass of water was known as we then placed a resistive heating
element within the insulated calorimeter to induce a specific current with a set voltage
through the resistive heating element in water to increase its temperature.
3. We then sealed the calorimeter shut with the thermocouple to allow no energy to
escape to its surroundings.
4. Before allowing the current to flow into the specific mass of water took a reading of
the waters initial temperature.
5. Switching the power supply on with a set current and voltage. At the same time
simultaneously timing the experiment.
6. After a set amount of time we then switched the power supply off and recorded the
final temperature.

PROCEDURE Part B

1.

2.
3.
4.

5.

At first we placed two unknown elements into a beaker full of water on a hot plate
and began heating the water thus heating the elements to 373 K.
In the second procedure of our experiment we then weighed the mass of our
polystyrene cup initially. We added a specific amount of water into this cup and
weighed its final mass.
At this stage, the mass of water was known. We then recorded the initial temperature
of our water in an insulated cup in our calorimeter.
We then placed the heated element, 373 K, into the polystyrene cup insulated in a
calorimeter immediately closing its lid.
We switched our computerised thermometer attached to the calorimeter and then
recorded the final temperature change of the insulated water with the heated element
inside of it.
We followed the same steps as 3 and 4 with the second heated element and our
procedure for Part B was complete.

Figure 1
Th e l i d
(th erm o co u pl e )

Re s is tiv e
h e ati n g e l em e nt

Ca l o rim e te r
i n ne r cu p (th e
i n su l ate d )

Ca l o rim e te r
o u te r cu p (th e
i n su l ato r)

Th e He a tin g
e l em e nt l ea d s

Figure 1: Experimental Setup

The Calorimeter inner cup once filled with water is placed into the Calorimeter outer cup and
is then sealed tight with the thermocouple lid. The heating element leads is attached to the
resistive heating element which was placed in the water with the thermocouples tight sealing.
The heating element leads connect to the digital thermometer and power supply.

The lid
Resistive heating element
Calorimeter inner cup
Calorimeter outer cup
The heating element leads
Digital thermometer
Power supply
Water

Figure 2
Po l ys ty re ne
Fo am li d
fo am
i n su l ato r

2 7.90 c
Fu n c
t io n

Fu n c
t io n

Pol y ure th an e
fo a m
in s ul a tor

Wa te r

Fu n c
t io n

Fu n c
t io n

Fu n c
t io n

Fu n c
t io n

Fu n c
t io n

Fu n c
t io n

Di g i ta l
Th erm o me ter

M eta l Sa m pl e

po l ys tyre n e c up
(Ca lo ri me te r)

Figure 2: Experimental Setup

The polystyrene cup (foam cup) with water contained is placed within the Polyurethane foam
insulator with the metal sample and the digital thermometers lead also being placed within
the foam cup. The experimenter immediately then contains the insulation by placing the
Polystyrene foam lid over the Polyurethane foam insulator.

Calorimeter cup
Metal sample no.1
Metal sample no.2
Digital thermometer
Polyurethane foam
Polystyrene foam lid
Water

DATA ANALYSIS Part A

Table 1 Calorimeter Tabulated Experimental Data

The following table shows the measured and calculated values for the experiment. All derived
values (calculations) can be seen in the calculations section of the report.

Data water sample

Data values

Mass of calorimeter, m(c)

24.1 0.1 g

Mass if calorimeter plus water

71.6 0.1 g

Mass of water in calorimeter, m(w)

(71.6 - 24.1) (0.1 + 0.1) =

47.5 0.2 g

Voltage across heating element, V

6.60 0.05 v

Current through heating element, I

0.650 0.005 A

Time heating element was running, T

300.00 0.06 s

Initial temperature of calorimeter and

contents, t
Final temperature of calorimeter and
contents, t

27.1 0.1 C
33.0 0.1 C

CALCULATIONS

a) Calculations performed in Table 1 (determining uncertainty associated with

mass)
I.

Uncertainty associated with Mass.

Uncertainty () for measurements is obtained by halving the finest unit of measurement on

the measuring device (Giancoli 2005). Since the was calculated using a scale machine, the
reading was given to 1 decimal place (3 significant figues) and as we are following the rule of
uncertainties associated with measurements, we took the half of the smallest scale division
I.e. 0.05 but since there are errors associated with this measurement I.e. manufacturing errors
with the scale machine, air pressure, temperature etc., we rounded our uncertainty to the first
decimal place for a more accurate reading.

II.

Calculation of m(w) Mass of water in calorimeter.

When adding or subtracting values with uncertainty we must add the uncertainties
therefore:
(71.6 24.1) (0.1 + 0.1) = 47.5 0.2 g
b) Calculations performed in Table 1 (determining uncertainty associated with
Voltage and Current)
The same principles apply to the measurement and reading of voltage and current.
Uncertainty () for measurements is obtained by halving the finest unit of measurement on
the measuring device (Giancoli 2005). Since the was calculated using a power supply, the
reading was given to 2 to 3 decimal places and as we are following the rule of uncertainties
associated with measurements, we took the half of the smallest scale division I.e. 0.05 or
0.005 since the errors associated with this measurement are small as the power supply
provided the current and voltage to a high processional level we left our uncertainties as 0.05
and 0.005.

c) Calculations performed in Table 1 (determining uncertainty associated with

temperature)
Now since two different devices were used to measure temperature uncertainties associated
will be different. Uncertainty () for measurements is obtained by halving the finest unit of
measurement on the measuring device (Giancoli 2005). With the Initial and final temperature
readings uncertainties associated with these measurements were small 0.05 but due to
possible manufacturing errors of the digital thermometer and other factors we kept to a more
uncertain measurement and rounded our uncertainty to 0.1. The uncertainty associated with
the Initial temperature of metal sample was measured using a normal thermometer and
uncertainty associated will be higher. As we followed the rules of uncertainty we took the
uncertainty to half the smallest scale division 0.5.

d) Calculations performed in Table 1 (determining uncertainty associated with

time)
(Musab Aksakal Lab report one uncertainty in time) Now since time was used by a stopwatch
that was used in our previous lab report the uncertainty is applicable to all identical stop
watches 0.06 seconds.

I.

The derivation of the specific heat of water formula.

Power formula:

P = IV
Energy = Q j (joules) = E = PT
Derived from: P = E/T
Energy = Q j (joules) = mc (t)

Q = IV(T)
Derived from Q = P*T
When P = (I*V)

Units used (SI system)

P is the power in Watts (W)
I is the current in Amps (A)

IVT = mc (t)
Derived as Q = I*V (T) and Q = m*c*
(t)

V is the voltage in Volts (V)

As we have the aluminium calorimeter

involved as the waters container it must be
involved with in the calculations therefore:

T is the time in seconds (s)

IVT = mc (t) + mc (t)

Q is the total energy

dissipated in joules (j)

m is the mass of the water

in Kilograms (Kg)
C is the specific heat of the
water
(J Kg^(-1)K^(-1)
m is the mass of the
calorimeter (aluminium)
c is the specific heat of the
calorimeter (aluminium)
t is the temperature (Delta
presenting change in)

II.

Calculation of specific heat of water given derivation of the formula.

IVT = mc (t) + mc (t)

Q = IVT
Q = (0.65 0.005A) (6.60 0.05v) (300 0.06s)
Before we calculate the energy of Q we must find the percentage of uncertainties of
each piece of data. The uncertainties once converted to a percentage can be added to
one another if the original data is multiplied or divided with another. This method of
uncertainty calculation is extracted from (exploring Physics Stage 2).

0.005 / 0.65 100 = 0.7692 % uncertainty

0.05 / 6.60 100 = 0.7576 % uncertainty
0.5 / 300 100 = 0.1667 % uncertainty
Therefore given the uncertainties in percentages.

Q = (0.65 0.7692% A) (6.60 0.7576% v) (300 0.1667% s)

Q = (0.65) (6.60) (300) (0.7692 + 0.7576 + 0.1667)% Avs
Q = 1287 1.694% J (joules) Notice Avs = J
Now for our second part: Q
Q= mc (t) + mc (t)
Q= (47.5 0.2 g) (c J Kg^(-1) K^(-1)) ((273K + 33.0 0. 11C) (273K + 25.0 0. 11C))
Before we calculate the energy of Q we must find the percentage of uncertainties
of each piece of data. The uncertainties once converted to a percentage can be added
to one another if the original data is multiplied or divided with another. This method
of uncertainty calculation is extracted from (exploring Physics Stage 2).

(0.2 / 47.5 100 = 0.4211%) / 1000 From grams to Kilograms (SI units)
(0.0002 / 0.04755) 100 = 0.4211%
(0.1 + 0.1) / (33.0-27.1) 100 = 3.389%
Therefore given the uncertainties in percentages.

Q= (0.04755 0.4211%) (c ) (5.9 3.389%) (J Kg^(-1) K^(-1) K Kg)

Q= (0.04755) (5.9) (c) (0.4211% +3.389%) J
Q= 0.2805 (c) 3.3810% J
Q= mc (t)
Q= (24.1 0.1g) (897 J Kg^(-1) K^(-1)) (273K + 33.0 0.11C) (273K + 27.1 0.11C)
Same principles from (exploring Physics Stage 2).

0.1 / 24.1 100 = 0.4149%

(0.1 + 0.1) / (33.0-27.1) 100 = 3.389%

Therefore given the uncertainties in percentages.

Q= (0.0241 0.4149%) (897) (5.9 3.389%) (j Kg^(-1) K^(-1) K Kg)

Q= (0.0241) (897) (5.9) (0.4149% + 3.389%) J
Q= 127.5 3.804% J
III.

Final calculation of specific heat of Water:

Given all the values for Q: we must now use the final derived formula we have worked out

IVT = mc (t) + mc (t)

Q = Q + Q
Therefore:

1287 1.694% = 0.3804 (c) 0.4461% + 172.9 0.4399%

Solving for c the Specific heat of WATER:

C = (1287 1.694% -127.5 3.804%) / (0.2805 3.381%)

When adding or subtracting we must always add uncertainties, as of multiplying and dividing
we must add percentage uncertainties as discussed above.

C = (1287 21.80 -127.5 4.850) / (0.2805 3.381%)

C = (1287 - 127.5 4.850 + 21.80) / (0.2805 3.381%)
C = (1159 26.65) / (0.2805 3.381%)
C = (1159 2.298%) / (0.2805 3.381%)
C = 4133 5.679%
C = 4133 234.7 J Kg^(-1) K^(-1)
But we are restricted to two significant figures due to initial data recorded at two
significant figures.
C = 4100 230 J Kg^(-1) K^(-1)

DATA ANALYSIS Part B

Calculations for Heat Capacities of Two Unknown

Metals
We first use the equation:
Q=m c T
And
Heat energy lost by metal sample=Heat gained by water + Heat gained by calirometer

Making this
Qm=Qw +Qc

(mof metal ) (cof metal ) ( tst 2) =( mof water )(cof water ) ( t2-t1) +0
ts=temp initial of metal

t 2=temp final of water

t 1=temp initial of water

We put the value of heat that the calorimeter gained as 0 because the heat that the cup and
foam absorbed is negligible.
We want the value of c of the metal that we put into water so therefore the equation gets
rearranged to
(mof water)(c of water )(t 2t 1)
(c of metal)=
(m of meta l)(tst 2)

Now substitute in the values from this table

Yellow sample
(c of metal)=

(mof water)(c of water )(t 2t 1)

(m of metal)(tst 2)

Table 2 Calorimeter Tabulated Experimental Data

The following table shows the measured and calculated values for the experiment. All derived
values (calculations) can be seen in the calculations section of the report. This data shown
below presents data for sample number 1 the yellow sample.
Data silver sample

Data values

Mass of calorimeter, m(c)

1.70 0.1 g

Mass if calorimeter plus water

81.2 0.1 g

Mass of water in calorimeter, m(w)

(81.2 - 1.70) (0.1 + 0.1) = 79.5 0.2

g

Mass of metal sample

79.9 0.1 g

Initial temperature of metal sample, t(s)

99.0 0.5 C

Initial temperature of calorimeter and contents, t

24.7 0.1 C

Final temperature of calorimeter and contents, t

31.2 0.1 C

c
(77.7 103 )( 4.19 103 )(6.2)
( Sample)=
(79.9 103)( 69)
c
( Sample)=375.55 J Kg (1) K (1)
Uncertainty of Yellow Sample
c
(t 2t 1) m of metal (tst 2)

m
of
water

c
of
water
( Sample )=
+
+
+
+
m of water
c of water
mof metal
(t 2t 1)
(tst 2)
c
3

( Sample )=(

0.2 10
0
0.2 0.1 103 0.6
+
+
+
+
) 375.55
77.7 103 4.19 10 3 6.2 79.9 103 69

c
( )
( Sample )=16.82 J Kg 1 K (1)

375.55 18.82 J Kg^(-1) K^(-1)

But we are restricted to three significant figures due to initial data recorded at three
significant figures.
376 18.8 J Kg^(-1) K^(-1)
Silver Sample
(c of metal)=

(mof water)(c of water )(t 2t 1)

(m of metal)(tst 2)

Table 3 Calorimeter Tabulated Experimental Data

The following table shows the measured and calculated values for the experiment. All derived
values (calculations) can be seen in the calculations section of the report. This data shown
below presents data for sample number 2 the silver sample.
Data silver sample

Data values

Mass of calorimeter, m(c)

1.70 0.1 g

Mass if calorimeter plus water

81.2 0.1 g

Mass of water in calorimeter, m(w)

(81.2 - 1.70) (0.1 + 0.1) = 79.5 0.2

g

Mass of metal sample

79.9 0.1 g

Initial temperature of metal sample, t(s)

99.0 0.5 C

Initial temperature of calorimeter and contents, t

24.7 0.1 C

Final temperature of calorimeter and contents, t

31.2 0.1 C

(79.5 10 )(4.19 10 ) (6.6)

(c Silver Sample)=
(79.9 103 )(67.7)

( c Silver Sample )=406.43 J Kg(1) K (1)

Uncertainty of Silver Sample

( c Silver Sample )=

m of water c of water (t 2t 1) m of metal (tst 2)

+
+
+
+
m of water
c of water
(t 2t 1)
mof metal
(tst 2)

3
0
0.2 0.1 103 0.6
( c Silver Sample )=( 0.2 10 3 +
+
+
+
) 406.43
79.5 10
4.19 103 6.6 79.9 103 67.7

( c Silver Sample )=17.45 J Kg( 1) K (1)

406.43 17.45 J Kg^(-1) K^(-1)

But we are restricted to three significant figures due to initial data recorded at three
significant figures.
406 17.5 J Kg^(-1) K^(-1)
DISCUSSION
In the overall experiment the results we obtained range very close to the accepted values of
the elements tested. With waters specific Heat calculating to 4100 230 J Kg^(-1) K^(-1),
accepted value 4186 J Kg^(-1) K^(-1). The yellow sample 376 18.8 J Kg^(-1) K^(-1) with
the value ranging close to Brass being 380. The silver sample also close to the
accepted value for element zinc 387 J with our value being 406 17.5 J Kg^(-1)
K^(-1).
The comparison to the accepted values are as follows:
4100
100=x100
4186
2.05 off the accepted value for Water .
376
100=x100
380
1.05 off the accepted value for Metal sample 1, Brass .

406
100=x100
387
4.91 off theaccepted value for Metal sample 2, Zinc.
The results we obtained present possible ranges for the actual element used in our given
experimental conditions.
Errors associated in our experiment are as follows:
1. Calorimeter too close to the hotplate therefore increasing its temperature affecting the
experiment by changing our values for temperature.
2. We left the laboratory with concluding results not finalised (silver sample) which
affected our final specific heat for the silver sample which in return cause our

comparison for metal sample 2 to a specific element close to 5 % which in our

experiment is the highest percentage of value we obtained to the accepted value.
3. Transferral of metals from hot beaker to calorimeter which also in turn affected our
value for change in temperature for water when sample was added. I.e. Possible heat
loss may have occurred when sample was transferred over.
4. During experimental procedure the following steps were not included, swirling of the
calorimeter. Which may have caused uneven temperature spread through the water
contained in the calorimeter which in turn may have also affected our water
temperature readings.
5. Also heat loss to the environment through polyurethane and aluminium calorimeter.
Which may have also affected water temperatures.
In the end our temperature readings were affected by a vast amount of factors which
in turn caused a small amount of uncertainty in our experiment.
Uncertainty for time may have been slightly underestimated because it was a very small value
being at 2 decimal places in comparison to the actual value recorded being at the 300. Thus
causing our uncertainty to be very small, when in reality this was not the case. Uncertainty
for the alcohol thermometer was correctly estimated as was the voltage and current readings.
These uncertainties were estimated correctly following the rules of uncertainty, using half the
smallest divisional scale, from (Giancoli 2005). Uncertainty for mass also correctly
estimated.

CONCLUSION
To conclude our report the values that we have obtained will once again be summarised in
this section. The value for specific heat of water obtained 4100 230 J Kg^ (-1) K^ (-1)
being very close off the actual accepted value of 4186 J Kg^ (-1) K^ (-1) which calculated at
a 2.05% comparison between our calculated value and the theoretical value (accepted value).
The second experiment was completed giving us a value of
376 16.8 J Kg^ (-1) K^ (-1) this value was closest to the specific heat of Brass, brass being
at 380 J Kg^ (-1) K^ (-1), the percentage difference between our experimentally calculated
value of sample one metal with the accepted value of the assumed metal, Brass, was 1.05%.
The third experiment was completed giving us a value of 406 17.5 J Kg^ (-1) K^ (-1), this
value we assumed closest to the specific heat of Zinc thus assuming the metal in our result to
be zinc. The percentage difference between the experimentally calculated value we obtained
and the specific heat of the assumed metal, Zinc, was 4.91%.
In our final conclusion we assumed the major sources of error in our experiment are as
follows.
We left the laboratory with concluding results not finalised (silver sample) which affected our
final specific heat for the silver sample which in return cause our comparison for metal

sample 2 to a specific element close to 5 % which in our experiment is the highest percentage
of value we obtained to the accepted value.
A way we can avoid such a error next time is by properly concluding results rather then
rushing things.
Transferral of metals from hot beaker to calorimeter which also in turn affected our value for
change in temperature for water when sample was added. I.e. Possible heat loss may have
occurred when sample was transferred over.
This was the major source and caused uncertainty in our experimental data. This could be
fixed by introducing a system in which transfers the elements from the beaker to the
calorimeter without heat loss. Perhaps heating the elements then transferring both the beaker
and the element inside the beaker close to the calorimeter then a immediate transferral of the
element into the calorimeter could reduce the error in our final results.
In the end our temperature readings were affected by a vast amount of factors which in turn
caused a small amount of uncertainty in our experiment.

REFERENCE LIST
References
The accepted specific heat values for both metals were referenced from

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/specific-heat-solids-d_154.html

Calculations (Q=m c DeltaT)

Physics Giancoli 6th Edition, Published (1980-2005), pp387, Chapter 14-3 specific
heat

Uncertainty in specific heat of water

Exploring Physics Stage 2, Published (2008), pp9, Chapter (How to use this book)

Time uncertainty in report

The uncertainty of time from the first lab (Simple Pendulum) was used in this lab for
the uncertainty of time.
Reference (Simple Pendulum By Musab Aksakal and William Marrion Lab Report)

Values of Uncertainty

Physics Giancoli 6th Edition, Published (1980-2005), pp387, Chapter 14-3 specific
heat

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Lab Manual

Physics 115 Lab Manual 2011