Theory

The specific latent heat of fusion (lf) of a substance is the

energy required to change unit mass of the substance
from solid to liquid without a change in temperature. The
unit is J/kg.
Equation:
EH = m lf
where lf is the latent heat of fusion, EH is the energy used
up and m is the mass of the substance.
The specific latent heat of vaporization (lv) of a substance
is the energy required to change unit mass of the
substance from liquid to vapour without a change in
temperature. The unit is J/kg.
Equation:
EH = m lv
where lv is the latent heat of vaporization, EH is the energy
used up and m is the mass of the substance.
Variables
Controlled: mass of water and ice
Manipulated: current
Responding: time for evaporation and melting
Precautions
1 Ensure that the rheostat is adjusted to maintain the
current necessary.
2 Ensure stop watch is started when the switch is closed.
Limitations
1 Faults occurs in the circuit.
2 Error in reading the instruments.
Analysis
The report is a good one for many reasons.
1 The aim is related to the problem and relevant to the
experiment.
2 The hypothesis was well stated.
3 The procedure was written as instructions, which were
clear and precise.
4 The procedure was written in a logical order.
5 The table of expected results was drawn.
6 Variables were identified.
7 The formulae to be used were given.
8 A diagram was given.
The bad points were the following.
1 There is no title.
2 The diagram needs labelling.
3 Apparatus and materials were not separated.
4 The units are missing from the table.
P&D: Student B
Experiment title
The difference between the specific latent heats of fusion
and vaporization of water.
Date
March 3, 2012
Topic
Specific latent heat of vaporization and fusion.
Problem
Theory suggests that more energy is required to convert
one kilogram of water to steam than to convert the same
quantity of ice to water. Plan and design an experiment,
using an electrical method, to investigate this statement.
Hypothesis
It takes more energy to convert 1 kilogram of water to
steam than to convert the same mass of ice to water.
Aim
To determine if more energy is required to convert one
kilogram of water to steam than to convert one kilogram
of ice to water.
Apparatus and material
Electrical heater, digital scale, 2 beakers, stop watch,
thermometer.
Place one kilogram of water in a beaker. Set up a series
circuit with the source, a rheostat, an electrical heater, a
voltmeter across the heater and an ammeter in series. Put
the heater in the beaker with water. Turn on the heater
and check the temperature. When it reaches 100 °C, start
the clock and note the time it took for all the water to
vaporize. Take the readings from voltmeter and ammeter.
Use the formula; energy = voltage × current × time to find
energy.
Place one kilogram of ice in a container, immerse the
heater in the ice.
Turn on the heater while simultaneously start the clock.
Check the time when all the ice is melted. Check also the
voltage across and current through the heater.
Use the formula; energy = voltage × current × time to
calculate the energy used.