Lab: Specific Heat (Heat capacity)
You must read chapter 4 especially on specific heat and heat flow.
Materials required:
- Three balloons of medium size.
- A set up made with wooden rods or metal rods to hang the balloons as shown in the figure below. (You can use any kind of set up to hang three balloons side by side)
- Candle
- Matches
- Water
- Sand
Procedure: First balloon will be filled with air. Second balloon will be filled with sand and the third one will be filled with water. The quantity of sand and water can be about two cups. Make all three balloons almost of same sizes, after you fill with air, sand and water. Bring a lighted candle below the first balloon filled with air and count the time (in seconds) before it explodes. The candle must be brought very near to the balloon’s bottom but should not touch the balloon.
Do the same for the other two balloons and count the time taken for exploding those balloons. Compare your results. Which balloon exploded first? Which one last? What is the reason for differences in times for explosion?
Research on the following terms:
- Specific heat
- Heat capacity
- Heat conduction
After completing this experiment, write a formal lab report. Make one or two pictures while you carry out this experiment and submit them with your report. Probably, you need to request someone from your home to take the pictures for you.
Submit your report on or before the due date given on blackboard.
