Specific Heat Lab

Purpose

Determine the specific heat and identity of an unknown metal.

Procedure

See in-class lab.

Data

Mass Data
Temperature Data
Material
Mass
Material
Temperature (Celcius)
  • test tube
  • test tube + metal
  • metal
  • calorimeter base
  • calorimeter base + water
  • water
  • ____________g
  • ____________g
  • ____________g
  • ____________g
  • ____________g
  • ____________g
  • boiling water
  • water in cup
  • water in cup after metal added
  • __________
  • __________
  • __________
   

heat gained by water = _______________J

change in temperature = _____________

Analysis - Don't forget to SHOW YOUR WORK!

  1. Calculate the heat gained by the water (lost by the metal) in the calorimeter using the specific heat equation. (note: specific heat for water = 4.2 J/gC).
  2. Calculate the specific heat for the metal using the heat gained by the water (calculated above).
  3. Use the specific heat table provided in class to determine what your unknown metal is.____________
  4. Calculate your Percent Error.

Conclusion

  1. What physical properties, other than specific heat, could you use to help identify your unknown metal?
  2. Why is water an excellent material to use in a calorimeter?