Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat

Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat — practice question

(a)[2]

Define specific heat capacity in terms of thermal energy and unit mass.

(b)

A student uses the apparatus shown in Fig. 3.1 to find the specific heat capacity of a liquid. The liquid enters the tube at a steady temperature of $19.5^\circ\text{C}$ and exits at $25.5^\circ\text{C}$. The mass of liquid passing through the tube per unit time is $m$, and electrical power $P$ is supplied to the heating coil. The student varies $m$ and then adjusts $P$ until the temperature of the liquid leaving the tube is $25.5^\circ\text{C}$. The results displayed in Fig. 3.2 are recorded.

(b(i))[1]

Suggest why the student records data for two different values of $m$ instead of just one.

(b(ii))[3]

Calculate the specific heat capacity of the liquid. Show your working.

(c)[3]

When the heating coil in (b) dissipates $33.3\text{ W}$ of power, the potential difference $V$ across the coil is given by $V = 27.0\sin(395t)$. The potential difference is measured in volts and the time $t$ is measured in seconds. Determine the resistance of the coil.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Thermal energy per unit mass needed to increase temperature by one degree

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