Question

question: how can you compare the specific heat capacities of various substances?

1. explain: how do you think you can use the calorimeter to compare the specific heat capacities of the substances listed on the gizmo?

granite, copper, lead, and ice are the substances

1. predict: which substance do you think will have the highest specific heat capacity? why?

Explanation:

1. Explanation (Using Calorimeter for Specific Heat Comparison)

Step1: Recall Calorimeter Principle

A calorimeter measures heat transfer ($Q$) using $Q = mc\Delta T$, where $m$ is mass, $c$ is specific heat, and $\Delta T$ is temperature change. To compare specific heats, we can use the same mass ($m$) of each substance and transfer a known amount of heat (or use a heat source with constant power for a fixed time to ensure $Q$ is similar).

Step2: Experimental Setup

1. Take equal masses ($m$) of granite, copper, lead, and ice.
2. Heat each substance in the calorimeter (or use the calorimeter to measure heat absorbed/released) with a controlled heat input (e.g., from a heater with power $P$, so $Q = Pt$ for time $t$).
3. Measure the temperature change ($\Delta T$) for each substance.
4. Rearrange $Q = mc\Delta T$ to $c=\frac{Q}{m\Delta T}$. Since $Q$, $m$ are controlled (or measured), we can calculate $c$ for each substance and compare.

Step3: Analyze Results

Substances with larger $c$ will have smaller $\Delta T$ for the same $Q$ and $m$ (or larger $Q$ needed for same $\Delta T$ and $m$). So by measuring $\Delta T$ (or $Q$) and using the formula, we compare $c$ values.

2. Prediction (Highest Specific Heat Capacity)

Specific heat capacity ($c$) relates to a substance’s ability to store heat. Ice (water in solid form) has a relatively high $c$ compared to metals (copper, lead) and granite (a rock). Water-based substances (like ice) generally have higher $c$ because of hydrogen bonding in water, which requires more energy to change temperature. Metals (copper, lead) have low $c$ (they heat/cool quickly), and granite (a composite of minerals) has a lower $c$ than ice. So ice is predicted to have the highest $c$ among the listed substances.

Answer:

(1):
To compare specific heat capacities using a calorimeter: 1. Use equal masses of each substance. 2. Apply a known heat input (or measure heat transfer). 3. Measure temperature change ($\Delta T$). 4. Use $c=\frac{Q}{m\Delta T}$ to calculate and compare $c$ (substances with smaller $\Delta T$ for same $Q,m$ have larger $c$).