This virtual lab procedure involves performing three trials each for two different materials to determine their specific heat capacities. For each trial, the student will record the mass of the sample, its initial and final temperatures, and the energy absorbed. They will then calculate the temperature change and specific heat capacity, repeating the calculations for three trials of each material.

1. Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Virtual Specific Heat Lab
http://www.sciencegeek.net/VirtualLabs/SpecificHeatLab.html
PROCEDURE:
1. Perform three trials for 2 materials. Record the mass of the sample, the initial temperature (T1), the final temperature (T2), and
the energy absorbed (in joules). You will then calculate, ΔT and c (specific heat capacity).
2. Vary the mass of the sample and the length of time heating for each trial with a given material. In other words, no two trials for
a given material should use both the same mass and the same flame exposure times.
3. At the end of each trial, hit the "Reset" button to prepare for the next trial.
4. Complete data tables below
Data:
OBSERVATIONS AND DATA:
Material____________ Trial #1 Trial #2 Trial #3
Mass of object, m (g) g g g
Initial temperature of object (T1) ºC ºC ºC
Final temperature of object (T2) ºC ºC ºC
Energy absorbed (Joules) J J J
Material____________ Trial #1 Trial #2 Trial #3
Mass of object, m (g) g g g
Initial temperature of object (T1) ºC ºC ºC
Final temperature of object (T2) ºC ºC ºC
Energy absorbed (Joules) J J J

2. CALCULATIONS: Show your work! You will repeat the calculations three times for each material you test.
1. Calculate the temperature change, ΔT, (T2 - T1).
2. Calculate the specific heat, Cp. Cp = q ÷ m ÷ ΔT
Material____________ Trial #1 Trial #2 Trial #3
ΔT, (T2 - T1) ºC ºC ºC
Cp J/(g · ºC) J/(g · ºC) J/(g · ºC)
Material 1:
Trial 1 Calculation:
Trial 2 Calculation:
Trial 3 Calculation:
Material 2:
Material____________ Trial #1 Trial #2 Trial #3
ΔT, (T2 - T1) ºC ºC ºC
Cp J/(g · ºC) J/(g · ºC) J/(g · ºC)
Trial 1 Calculation:
Trial 2 Calculation:
Trial 3 Calculation: