Specific Heat Lab Report

The purpose and significance of this experiment was to find the specific heat and figure out an identification of an unknown metal. The specific heat was calculated through a given formula. The unknown metal was found through descriptions that matched the unknown metal. The unknown elements would be one of the following: Al, Bi, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, Na, Sn, or Zn. First the specific heat of water was measured, then heat flow was measured using equations. Then, using two coffee cups, observe the temperature increase from the first thermometer in the calorimeter. After it has stopped increasing, record the final temperature. Next, weight a small portion of your unknown sample and record the mass and place it in the water bath for ten minutes and record the temperature. Pour the unknown element into the calorimeter. Monitor the temperature and record it in the data table. Repeat the procedure and record the findings on the data sheet. After all these steps are done, identify the unknown substance by another

Density is an example of intensive property. Heat capacity is determined by the amount of energy that is required to raise the temperature of an object by one degree Celsius. The specific heat is quite similar to the heat capacity except that the heat required to raise one gram of a sample is by one degree Celsius. The specific heat for water is 4.184 J/g °C. Molar heat capacity is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one mole of a substance by one degree Celsius. A calorimeter works through an insulated container and a thermometer. The container has to be insulated so that it could minimize the hat loss and gain the sources from the outside system. The Law of Conservation of Energy is used to find calculations. A second intensive property is needed to determine the unknown because many substances have similar specific heat values.