Describe an experiment the student could do to measure the specific heat capacity of a metal.
SHC= Energy/ change in temp x mass
First, measure the mass of the of metal with a mass balance and record into a table. Then insert an
immersion heater into the metal and connect the heater to a joule meter and record the initial
reading on the joule meter, ensure a drop of distilled water is placed between the gap of the metal
and the immersion heater to ensure all the energy is quickly transferred to the metal as water is a
better conductor of heat than air. Now, insert a thermometer along with the immersion heater and
measure and record the initial temperature of the metal in a table. Then, start a timer and switch on
the immersion heater for 5 minutes. Afterwards, record the final temperature of the metal by
reading the measurement on the thermometer and record the final energy used to heat the metal
from the joule meter. Repeat the entire experiment with the same type of metal at least three times
and calculate a mean energy change and temperature change. Lastly, calculate the specific heat
capacity of the metal by using the equation SHC = Energy/ change in temperature x mass.
A farmer plans to generate all the electricity needed on her farm, using either a biogas generator or
a small wind turbine.
The biogas generator would burn methane gas. The methane gas would come from rotting the
animal waste produced on the farm. When burnt, methane produces carbon dioxide.
The biogas generator would cost £18,000 to buy and install. The wind turbine would cost £25,000 to
buy and install.
The average power output from the wind turbine would be the same as the continuous output from
the biogas generator.
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods of generating electricity.
Conclude with a reason for deciding which system would be better for the farmer to buy and
install
On one hand, the biogas generator utilises natural waste products from the animals on the farm
which will contribute to minimal running costs. In addition, the biogas generator is significantly
cheaper than the wind turbines with an initial cost of £18,000. Although the biogas generator
produces carbon dioxide, the biogas generator is carbon neutral theoretically as the carbon dioxide
emitted is the built up carbon dioxide stored inside the animals in the form of methane. However,
biogas generators require lots of space which may lead to the area of the farm to become smaller to
accommodate, deforestation may also need to be taken into consideration which will decrease food
for the farm animals and will destroy the habitats of wildlife.
On the other hand, wind turbines output the same amount of power as the continuous output from
a biogas generator on average. This means less energy will be needed for a wind turbine to produce
sufficient electricity for the farm. However, a wind turbine is more expensive than a biogas
generator with an initial cost of £25,000. In addition, wind turbines are highly unreliable as the wind
speed daily are unpredictable; if the wind speed is too fast, the wind turbines will need to be
switched off to prevent damage to the turbines and if the wind speed is too slow, insufficient
electricity will be produced to sustain the farm.
SHC= Energy/ change in temp x mass
First, measure the mass of the of metal with a mass balance and record into a table. Then insert an
immersion heater into the metal and connect the heater to a joule meter and record the initial
reading on the joule meter, ensure a drop of distilled water is placed between the gap of the metal
and the immersion heater to ensure all the energy is quickly transferred to the metal as water is a
better conductor of heat than air. Now, insert a thermometer along with the immersion heater and
measure and record the initial temperature of the metal in a table. Then, start a timer and switch on
the immersion heater for 5 minutes. Afterwards, record the final temperature of the metal by
reading the measurement on the thermometer and record the final energy used to heat the metal
from the joule meter. Repeat the entire experiment with the same type of metal at least three times
and calculate a mean energy change and temperature change. Lastly, calculate the specific heat
capacity of the metal by using the equation SHC = Energy/ change in temperature x mass.
A farmer plans to generate all the electricity needed on her farm, using either a biogas generator or
a small wind turbine.
The biogas generator would burn methane gas. The methane gas would come from rotting the
animal waste produced on the farm. When burnt, methane produces carbon dioxide.
The biogas generator would cost £18,000 to buy and install. The wind turbine would cost £25,000 to
buy and install.
The average power output from the wind turbine would be the same as the continuous output from
the biogas generator.
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods of generating electricity.
Conclude with a reason for deciding which system would be better for the farmer to buy and
install
On one hand, the biogas generator utilises natural waste products from the animals on the farm
which will contribute to minimal running costs. In addition, the biogas generator is significantly
cheaper than the wind turbines with an initial cost of £18,000. Although the biogas generator
produces carbon dioxide, the biogas generator is carbon neutral theoretically as the carbon dioxide
emitted is the built up carbon dioxide stored inside the animals in the form of methane. However,
biogas generators require lots of space which may lead to the area of the farm to become smaller to
accommodate, deforestation may also need to be taken into consideration which will decrease food
for the farm animals and will destroy the habitats of wildlife.
On the other hand, wind turbines output the same amount of power as the continuous output from
a biogas generator on average. This means less energy will be needed for a wind turbine to produce
sufficient electricity for the farm. However, a wind turbine is more expensive than a biogas
generator with an initial cost of £25,000. In addition, wind turbines are highly unreliable as the wind
speed daily are unpredictable; if the wind speed is too fast, the wind turbines will need to be
switched off to prevent damage to the turbines and if the wind speed is too slow, insufficient
electricity will be produced to sustain the farm.
