Experiment # 8

Name: Rayanna Whittingham

Date: October 12 ,2023
Topic: Specific Latent Heat
Aim: To determine the specific latent heat of fusion of ice by the method of mixtures.
Apparatus: Styrofoam cup, Bunsen burner, ice, thermometer, top-pan balance, beaker, water.

Diagram: Apparatus used for the specific latent heat of ice by the method of mixtures.

Procedure:
1. The mass, m1, of the empty Styrofoam cup was measured and recorded.
2. The cup that had been previously warmed to about 15 °C above room temperature was
half filled with water.
3. The new mass, m2, of the Styrofoam cup with water was determined and the mass, mw,
of water was also determined.
4. When the temperature of the water in the cup was about 10 ℃ above the room
temperature, the temperature was recorded, T1, and small pieces of ice was added
(which have been dried to remove the water).
5. One piece of ice was added and stirred until the ice melted before adding another piece.
6. Ice was kept added and stirred until the final water temperature is about 10 ℃ below
the room temperature and this was recorded, T2.
7. The cup was weighed with cold water to find the total mass m3, and thus the mass mi, of
ice melted.
Result and Calculation:

1
Mass of the empty Styrofoam cup, m1 = 2.99

Mass of Styrofoam cup + water, m2 = 90.18 g

Mass of Styrofoam cup + water + ice, m3 = 118.64 g

Mass of water, mw = (m2 – m1) = 87.19 g

Mass of ice, mi = (m3 – m2) = 28.46 g

Initial temperature of water, T1 = 40.0℃

Final temperature, T2 = 16℃

Temperature change of water, ΔTw = (T1 – T2) = 24℃

Specific heat capacity of water, cw = 4200 J kg –1 °C–1

1. Calculate the heat lost by the warm water.

Heat lost by warm water = mw × cw × ΔTw

Mw = 87.19 g = 0.08719 kg

∆Tw= 24℃

Heat loss by warm water = 0.08719 kg × 4200 J kg-1 × 24℃

Heat loss by warm water = 8788.752 J

2. Use the principle of conservation of energy to calculate the specific latent heat of fusion
of ice.
Heat gained by ice + heat gained by ice water = Heat lost by warm water
mi × L + mi × cw × (T2 – 0) = Heat lost by warm water

Mass of ice = 0.2846 g

Cw = 4200 J kg 1

T2 = 16℃

0.02846 g × L + 0.02846 g × 4200 K kg-1 ℃ × 16℃ = 8788.752 J

0.02846 g × L + 1912.512 = 8788.752 J

2
0.02846 × L = 8788.752 – 1912.512

0.02846 × L = 6976.24

6976.24
L=
0.2846

= 24,512 J/kg

Discussion:

Upon comparing the experimental value of the latent heat of fusion, which is approximately
24,512 J/kg with the literature value of 334,000 J/kg. It is evident that there may be some sources
or error or uncertainness in the experiment, affecting the accuracy of these results. One of the
primary sources of error is heat loss to the surroundings. This occurs when heat escapes from the
system, leading to an underestimation of the heat gained by the ice water mixture. To minimize
this error, it’s essential to ensure proper insulation of the Styrofoam cup. Using a well insulation
container, double layering the cup, and securing the lid tightly can help reduce escape. Second
source of error could be the incomplete melting of ice. Heat loss occurs when heat escapes from
the Styrofoam cup, leading to an underestimation of the heat gained by the ice-water mixture.
The accuracy of the experiment can be improved by addressing insulation and heat loss issues,
ensuring complete ice melting, controlling environmental factors, and maintaining precise
measurement.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the specific latent heat of fusion was determined to be 24,512 J/kg,
while acknowledging the potential source of errors that affected this experiment and emphasizing
the need for improvement for future experiments.