LAB REPORT # 7

GROUP 6
ELECTRICAL
EQUIVQLENT OF HEAT
[Document subtitle]
 GROUP MEMBERS:

SHAYAN ALI 200101001

HUZAIFA BIN ZAHID 200101014
TAIMOOR AHMED 200101029
JAVERIA NASEEM 200101045
M. FAIZAN SAJID 200101047
ANOOSHA NOOR 200101091
 Theory:
We know that when we add heat to solids or liquid, the heat energy increases the
materials internal energy, which increases temperature in return. The relationship between the
heat and the resulting change in temperature is given as
Q = mc∆𝑻
Q = HEAT
C = specific heat

M= mass
∆T = change in temperature.
In this experiment, heat will be added to two things, water and the inner cup, since they are
thermally connected. We assume that water and inner cup have same change in temperatures
though they have different masses and specific heat.
By using heat resistor, heat is added to the calorimeter.
The generated electrical energy is converted into heat in the resistor, increasing the temperature
of water and cup.
Electrical power is determined by the output voltage, and the resulting current that is produced
P= IV

I = Current through resistor (amps)

V= Voltage across resistor (V)
P = Power in watts (It is the rate at which energy is generated and used)
Since in the experiment the power is not constant so energy is the area under graph between
power and time.

 APPARATUS:
The apparatus used in this experiment is given below:
Heating resistor (converts electrical energy into heat energy)
Temperature sensor (measures the change in temperature)
Inner cup (stores water)
Outer cup, spacer, lid (protects water from surrounding)

 PROCEDURE:

 Firstly measure the room temperature with the help of dry temperature probe.
 Measure the mass of the inner aluminum cup by using calorimeter.
 There is no need to measure the mass of outer cup.
 Add about 50ML of water in the inner cup.
 The temperature of water must be less than three degree Celsius of the room
temperature to minimize the effect of the surrounding.
 Now submerge temperature sensor in the water after passing it through stopper hole.
 If the water gets too warm before the start of experiment, you can cool it down using ice
bath.
 Similarly, if the water is too cold before the start of experiment, you can heat it up using
signal generator.
 But make sure to wait for the equilibrium position before the start of experiment.
 Start recording (the signal generator turns on automatically when you start recording).
 Note the beginning temperature.
 While data is being taken, gently swirl the water to make sure that water is heated evenly.
 When the temperature reaches three degree Celsius above room temperature then turn
off signal generator but don’t stop recording.
 Don’t forget to swirl the water and collect data.
 The temperature will continue to rise, as the last bit of thermal energy from the resistor
is slowly given off.
 When the water temperature stops rising and levels off, stop recording data.
 Record the values of initial and final temperature on the temperature vs. time graph.
 Calculate and record the change in temperature of water.
 Calculate the thermal energy absorbed by water using Q = mcΔT, where m is the mass of
the water, c is the specific heat of water (1cal/g°C), and ∆T is the change in temperature
of the water. Record this value in the Data Table.
 Record the ‘Area’ value of the power vs. time graph of the electrical energy (joules) used
by heating resistor.
 Now calculate how many joules of electrical energy are equal to the calories of thermal
energy.
 Calculate the percentage difference between this experimental value and the accepted
value. Put all those values on data table and analyze it.
 Analysis:
The purpose of the experiment being performed is the determination of amount of electrical
energy that is equivalent to certain amount of thermal energy. This is done by measuring the
amount of electrical energy used in the heating resistor to heat water and the resulting thermal
energy added to the water.
Also the number of joules in one calorie is determined by using heating resistor, temperature
sensor etc.

This is done by plugging the Temperature Sensor into the interface and
the stainless steel temperature probe into the Temperature Sensor. And by plugging the leads
from the heating resistor into Signal Generator on the 550 Universal Interface.

Calculations:
We know that,
Q = Q w + Qc

This implies that,

Q = MwcwΔT + McccΔT (1)

Where Mw is the mass of water, cw is the specific heat of water, Mc is the mass of the cup, cc is
the specific heat of the aluminum cup and ΔT is the change in temperature of water and cup,
which we consider the same in our experiment.

As power in our experiment is not constant, so to calculate Energy we find the area of Power
versus time graph,

E = ∫Pt

We are given the values:

Graphs between temperature vs. time and power vs. time are given as:

Putting values in equation (1)

Q = [(50) x (1)] x6.04 + [(27) x (0.215)] x6.04

Q = 337.06 cal

From capstone, Electrical Power = E = 974.51 J

From law of conservation of energy,
Q=E
336.06 cal = 974.51 J

1 cal = 974.51 / 336.06 J

1 cal = 2.99 J
1 cal = 3 J (experimental value)

Which is less than the theoretical value of 4.184 joule due to errors and inconsistencies in
readings.

 Conclusion:
Now by performing the experiment in capstone .the total amount of heat added to water and
aluminum cup is calculated and electrical energy (Joules) delivered to water is determined by
area under graph of power and time. Heat is set equal to energy delivered in joules.
Hence the experiment is performed in this way.

QUESTION NO. 1:
Was your answer larger or smaller than the accepted value?

Our answer is less than the accepted value.

Our answer: 2.99 joule.

Expected value: 4.184 joule.

QUESTION NO. 2:
In this experiment, was energy lost or gained? Explain your results using the concept of conservation of
energy. (Hint: use your result from the first question).

Energy is not lost or gained: The electrical energy is converted to heat. According to law of conservation
of energy “the total energy of an isolated system remains constant”. As our value is less than the ideal
value. The temperature of the setup is less than the external temperature, therefore, the heat is added

QUESTION NO. 3:
Why is it necessary to start below room temperature and stop above room temperature by the same
temperature difference?

The room temperature and stop above room temperature by the same temperature difference is equalize
the heat added and leave by the setup. At the beginning, the water is gaining energy from the
surroundings, and at the end, the water is losing energy to the surroundings. The effects cancel.

QUESTION NO. 4:
The type of calorie (with a capital C) that you eat is actually a kilocalorie. 1 Cal = 1000 cal. How many
Calories of heat energy were added to the water and cup? If you expended the amount of energy that
you added to the inner cup-water by lifting the inner cup containing water instead, how far could you
lifted? (Hint: use the concept of Gravitational Potential Energy).

𝑬 = 𝒎𝒈𝒉
𝑬
𝒉 = 𝒎𝒈

974.51
𝒉 = (𝟗.𝟖)(𝟎.𝟕𝟕𝟕)

𝒉 = 127𝑚