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Specific Heat Capacity

Science students are studying specific heat capacity and trying to make decisions about what materials would be good insulators and conductors. Student groups set up this experiment. Materials/group: ~thermometer ~Stopwatch ~4 empty soda cans to be filled:
One can filled 1/2 way with water One can filled 1/2 way with sand One can filled 1/2 way with iron filings One empty can
~Tub of ice water Procedures: 1. Record the initial temperatures inside each can. 2. Place the four cans into the ice water bath, leaving them for 5 minutes. 3. Remove the cans and record the final temperatures of each can.
Specific Heat Capacity
Material Specific heat capacity J/
C at 25C
Copper 0.385
Iron 0.450
Sand 0.830
Aluminum 0.897
Air 1.012
Cork 2.000
Water 4.181
Question 1
PART A
Consider the data table as well as the experimental design. Which of the four cans should have the greatest change in temperature after five minutes?
Responses
A airair
B sandsand
C waterwater
D iron filingsiron filings
Question 2
PART B
Once the activity had been completed, the instructor asked the students to design an insulated container they could use to keep 100mL of water hot. The only stipulation was that the insulator had to be a solid. The team that kept the water hot, at least 85C, for the longest amount of time, would win a prize. If you were participating, what would you use as your insulator?
Responses
A aluminumaluminum
B corkcork
C sand

1 answer

Question 1 (PART A)
To determine which of the four cans should have the greatest change in temperature after five minutes, we need to consider the specific heat capacities of the materials. The specific heat capacity indicates how much energy is required to change the temperature of a material; a lower specific heat capacity means that it can change temperature more quickly for a given amount of heat added or removed.

  1. Water (specific heat = 4.181): Has a very high specific heat, indicating it holds its temperature well.
  2. Sand (specific heat = 0.830): Lower than water, so it will change temperature more readily.
  3. Iron Filings (specific heat = 0.450): Lower than sand, indicating it will change temperature even more quickly.
  4. Air (not listed but generally will change temperature quickly due to low density): Generally has a low specific heat capacity compared to solids.

Based on the specific heat capacities, iron filings (D) should experience the greatest change in temperature after five minutes, as it has the lowest specific heat capacity among the materials being tested.

Answer: D. iron filings

Question 2 (PART B)
For designing an insulated container to keep 100 mL of water hot, we want to select a material with a high insulating property (which typically means a high specific heat capacity, as it will help to minimize heat loss). Among the choices provided:

  1. Aluminum (specific heat = 0.897): A metal with relatively good thermal conductivity, therefore it doesn't make a great insulator.
  2. Cork (specific heat = 2.000): A material known for its insulating properties, which can effectively help retain heat.
  3. Sand (specific heat = 0.830): Does provide some insulation but not as effectively as cork.

Given the choices to keep the water hot for the longest amount of time, cork would be the most effective insulator.

Answer: B. cork