TP5 - Heat Capacity & Latent Heat 1

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HEAT CAPACITY
When the temperature of a substance increases, the average kinetic energy of the particles in
the substance is increased. This leads to an increase in the total kinetic energy of the particles
in the substance. Thus an increase in the temperature of a substance leads to an increase in the
heat energy of the substance.
Heat Capacity
The heat capacity, C of a substance is the amount of heat energy needed to raise the
temperature of the substance by 1oC or 1K.
C=Q/Ɵ
Where; Q=heat absorbed/released in joules
Ɵ=change in temperature in kelvin or °C.
Example;
Calculate heat capacity of 100g of water if 12600j of heat energy raises its temperature from
30°C to 60°C.
Solution
C=Q/Ɵ
=12600/(60-30)
=420J/°C.
Specific Heat Capacity, (c)

The specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat energy required to raise the
temperature of 1kg of the substance by 1°C or 1K.
or Q = m c ∆
The SI units are J kg-1K-1 (J/kg K ) or J kg-1 oC-1 (J/kg oC).
Every material has its own specific heat capacity. Examples are given below.
PHYSICS NOTES: Heat capacity & Latent Heat leemok productions 2012©
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Material Specific heat capacity (J kg-1K-1)
Water 4200
Ice 2100
Copper 400
Iron 460
Lead 130
Classwork
1. Calculate the amount of heat energy gained when the temperature of 5 kg of copper
rises from 15 °C to 25.
2. How much heat energy is lost when the temperature of 100g of water drops from 30
°C to 10 °C?
3. A piece of aluminium mass 0,5 kg is heated to 100 °C and then placed in 0.4 kg of
water at 10°C. If the resulting temperature of the mixture is 30°C, what is the specific
heat capacity of aluminium?
4. A tank holding 50kg of water is heated by a 2.5 kW immersion heater. Estimate the
time it takes for the temperature to rise from 150 C to 60oC.
5. A 1 kg lead ball is dropped from a 65 m tower. Calculate the change in its temperature
on hitting the ground
Experiment to find the specific heat capacity of aluminium

Apparatus
 Aluminum cylinder with two holes drilled in it.
 Immersion heater with power rating
 Triple beam balance or any other suitable scale.
 Thermometer
 Power supply
 Stop watch
Procedure
1. Place the immersion heater in the central hole and the thermometer in the
other as shown below.
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2. Record the initial temperature of the block

3. Connect the heater to a power supply and start the stop watch.
4. Heat the cylindrical block until its temperature stops rising. Record the temperature
and the time taken to reach this temperature.
5. Calculate the amount of heat supplied by the heater using the expression, Energy =
power x time.
6. Assuming no heat loss, calculate the specific heat capacity of aluminium using the
expression Q = mc∆.
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Changes of state
Melting: A change of state from solid to liquid at a specific temperature called melting
point.
Freezing or Solidification: A change of state from liquid to solid without a change in
temperature.
Boiling; A change of state from liquid to gas at a specific temperature called boiling point.
Condensation; A change of state from gas to liquid.
Difference between boiling and evaporation
EVAPORATION BOILING
-Takes place at any temperature -takes place at definite temperature
-Takes place at the surface of a liquid -Takes place within liquid
- Bubbles are not formed -bubbles are formed
Cooling curve heating curve
A ……………………………………………………………………….….
B ………………………………………………………………………......
C ………………………………………………………………………......
D ………………………………………………………………………......
E ………………………………………………………………………......
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LATENT HEAT
Latent heat
This is the hidden heat energy that is absorbed or released during a change of state
Specific Latent heat of fusion,(lf)
The specific latent heat of fusion is amount of heat energy required to change 1 kg of a body
from solid to liquid (or liquid to solid) at constant temperature.
Heat energy = mass x specific latent heat of fusion

Q = m lf
Specific Latent heat of vaporization,(lv)
The specific latent heat of vaporization is amount of heat energy required to change 1 kg of a
body of mass from solid to liquid.
Heat energy = mass x specific latent heat of vaporization

Q = m lv
Classwork
6. How much energy is required to change 2 kg of ice in to water at 0oC.
7. Calculate the energy released when 1 kg of steam changes to water.
8. How much heat is needed to change 40 g of ice at 0oC to steam at 100oC.
9. Calculate heat needed to change 2 kg of ice at 0oC to steam at 100oC.
10. How much heat is lost when 50 g of water at 60oC is changed to ice at -5oC?

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1

Specific Heat Capacity, (c)

The SI units are J kg-1K-1 (J/kg K ) or J kg-1 oC-1 (J/kg oC).

Material Specific heat capacity (J kg-1K-1)

Experiment to find the specific heat capacity of aluminium

2. Record the initial temperature of the block

Difference between boiling and evaporation

Cooling curve heating curve

Specific Latent heat of fusion,(lf)

Heat energy = mass x specific latent heat of fusion

Specific Latent heat of vaporization,(lv)

Heat energy = mass x specific latent heat of vaporization

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