MYP Physics · 07 · data analysis
Estimating specific heat capacity
Thermal physics · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- demanding
- Marks
- 8
- Topics
- 2
- Answer
- Complete
Heating data for the metal block
The plotted points reproduce the two columns of the question table, in the original units.
Vertical axis (y): Temperature / °C
Horizontal axis (x): Energy supplied / J
Read the exact data as a table
| Energy supplied / J | Temperature / °C |
|---|---|
| 0 | 20 |
| 2000 | 24.8 |
| 4000 | 29.6 |
| 6000 | 34.3 |
| 8000 | 39.1 |
These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.
An insulated 0.50 kg metal block is heated electrically. A joulemeter measures energy supplied. The block begins at 20.0 °C.
| Energy supplied / J | Temperature / °C |
|---|---|
| 0 | 20.0 |
| 2000 | 24.8 |
| 4000 | 29.6 |
| 6000 | 34.3 |
| 8000 | 39.1 |
- a
Describe Describe the relationship between energy supplied and temperature rise.
2 marks - b
Calculate Use the full data range to estimate the metal's specific heat capacity.
3 marks - c
Evaluate The accepted value is 800 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹. Explain one likely reason for the higher experimental value and propose a specific improvement.
3 marks
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a
Describe Describe the relationship between energy supplied and temperature rise.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
States that temperature rise is approximately directly proportional to energy supplied.
- 2
Supports the claim with the near-constant increase of about 4.8 °C for each 2000 J.
b
Calculate Use the full data range to estimate the metal's specific heat capacity.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
Finds temperature rise = 39.1 − 20.0 = 19.1 °C.
- 2
Uses c = Q ÷ (mΔT).
- 3
Obtains c = 8000 ÷ (0.50 × 19.1) ≈ 838 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹.
c
Evaluate The accepted value is 800 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹. Explain one likely reason for the higher experimental value and propose a specific improvement.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
Identifies a relevant effect such as energy heating the surroundings, heater, or temperature sensor rather than only the block.
- 2
Explains that treating all supplied energy as block energy while the measured temperature rise is reduced makes Q ÷ (mΔT) overestimate c.
- 3
Proposes a linked improvement such as better insulation and a lid, embedding the heater and probe well, or determining the apparatus heat capacity.
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