Determination of Specific Heat Capacity of a Solid Using Electrical Method

Apparatus:

• Solid block
• Heating element
• Thermometer
• Ammeter
• Voltmeter
• Power supply
• Rheostat
• Electronic balance

The apparatus for the experiment is shown below:

Procedure:

• Drill two holes in the solid block.
• Measure the mass of the block (M) using an electronic balance.
• Lubricate the holes with oil to ensure good thermal contact with the block.
• Insert the heating element and thermometer into the holes.
• Connect the ammeter, power supply, and heating element in series.
• Connect a voltmeter in parallel across the heating element.
• Record the initial temperature of the block (θ₁ ).
• Switch on the current and allow it to flow until the temperature rises by about 15°C.
• Use the rheostat to maintain a steady current during this time.
• Switch off the current and record the final temperature of the block (θ₂ )
• Record the