TO STUDY ABOUT SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY AND ITS

APPLICATIONS
Submitted by

Nirajan kc
Class: 11"Einstein"

Submitted to

The Faculty of Science

Gorkha Secondary School
Tulsipur-6,Dang

In partial fulfilment of the requirement of class 11Physics project work.

 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the project work entitled “TO STUDY ABOUT
SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY AND ITS APPLICATIONS” submitted to
the class 11, Gorkha Secondary School, Tulsipur is an original piece of
work carried out under the supervision of Mr. Sudip Bhusal,Physics
teacher of Gorkha Secondary School, Tulsipur, Dang, and is submitted in
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of grade 11. The
Project work Report hasn’t been submitted to any other university of
institution for the award of any degree.

Nirajan KC
Gorkha Secondary School
Tulsipur, Dang
28 October, 2023
 RECOMMENDATION
The work report entitled ‘TO STUDY ABOUT SPECIFIC HEAT
CAPACITY AND ITS APPLICATIONS’ submitted by Nirajan KC of
Gorkha Secondary School, Tulsipur, Dang is prepared under my
supervision as per the procedure and format requirements laid by the
class 11, Gorkha Secondary School Tulsipur, as partial of the project. The
work has been prepared for completion of 11 course of NEB. The study is
original and carries useful information in the concerned area.
I, therefore, recommend the project work report for evaluation.

………………………….
Mr. Chirangibi Khadka
Gorkha Secondary School
Tulsipur, Dang, Nepal
 ENDORSEMENT

We hereby endorse the project work report entitled TO STUDY ABOUT

SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY AND ITS APPLICATIONS submitted by
Nirajan KC of Gorkha Secondary School, Tulsipur, Dang, in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for award of the grade 11.
Approved by

Mr. Bishnu Prasad Bhandari

Academic Coordinator

Mr. ………………………

The External Examiner understands that my report will become part of the
permanent collectionof Gorkha Secondary School Tulsipur’s Library.My
signature below authorizes release of my thesis to any reader upon request.

Nirajan KC
Date: 29 October, 2023
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Sudip Bhusal
for hisconstructive comments, valuable suggestions, and unforgettable
guidance. I equally thank him forhis kindness, cooperation, and necessary
encouragement.

Similarly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Bijayman Gharti

Magar, Gorkha Secondary Tulsipur-06, Dang for his invaluable instruction and
co-operation.All thefaculty members, Department of Physics, Gorkha
Secondary School for their direct and indirectsuggestions in the completion of
this project work.

I would like to thank all of my friends with whom I enjoyed and got fruitful
academic and nonacademic supports during this tenure that boost my work.

Finally, I never miss this opportunity to extend my heartily thank to my parents

and familymembers, whose immense support in each and every steps of my life
help to reinforce my morale.Finally, the author would like to thank all whom
the author has forgotten to mention.

Nirajan KC
 TABLE OF CONTENT

Chapte Topic Page no.

r
I Introduction 1-2
II. Research Methodology 3
III. Presentation and Data Analysis 4-11
IV. Specific heat capacity of water 12
V. Bibliography 13
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

Specific heat capacity, often simply referred to as specific heat, is a fundamental

thermodynamic property of matter that quantifies the amount of heat energy
required to raise the temperature of a unit mass (typically 1 gram or 1 kilogram)
of a substance by a certain amount, usually one degree Celsius (°C) or one
Kelvin (K).Specific heat capacity is denoted by the symbol "s" for solid and
liquid. Specific heat capacity is measured in units of Joules per kilogram per
degree Celsius (J/kg°C).The physical meaning of specific heat capacity, can be
illustrated as follows:
(a) When two objects of equal mass are heated at equal rates, the object with the
smaller specific heat capacity will have a faster temperature increase.

(b) When two objects of equal mass are heated, to obtain the same temperature
increase, more heat is needed to be supplied to the object with a larger specific
heat capacity.When two hot objects of equal mass are left to cool down,
(a) the object with a smaller specific heat capacity will cool down at a faster
rate,

(b) the object with a larger specific heat capacity will cool down at a slower
rate.
From the definition, we can derive the formula of specific heat capacity step by
step.
Let us consider a substance with mass m. The initial temperature of the
substance is T 1 and the final temperature (after absorbing heat) is T 2 and Q be
the heat
Now, the heat energy absorbed is directly proportional to the mass and
temperature of the concerned substance. Therefore, the physical expression can
is:
Q ∞ m(T 2−T 1)
Or, Q ∞ mT where T=T 2−T 1
To remove this proportional sign, we introduce a constant as
Q = msT
Here, the constant s is the specific heat capacity of a substancein J/kg°C.
We can write the formula of specific heat using the algebraic mathematical
concept: msT = Q

1
s = Q/mT
If the mass of the object is 1 kilogram and the temperature has increased by 1˚C,
then we can change the specific heat capacity equation as:
s=Q

Dimensional Formula of Specific Heat

The dimensional formula of specific heat is calculated as;
The dimensional formula of heat is [ M 1 L2 T −2]
The dimensional formula of m is [ M 1 L0 T 0]
The dimensional formula of ΔTis [ M 0 L 0 K 1]
Now, putting the dimensional formulas of Q, m, and ΔT:
1 2 −2
[M L T ]
=
[ M 1 L0 T 0 ] [ M 0 L0 K 1 ]
So, the dimensional formula of specific heat capacity is [ M 0 L2 T −2 K −1].

Objectives of study:

The objectives of the study are:

1. To study about the specific heat capacity and its importance.
2. To learn about the applications of specific heat capacity.

Limitations of the study:

The limitations of the study are:
1. The very first challenge was to collect information about specific heat
capacity.
2. Lack of quality information.

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 CHAPTER II
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

For the completion of the project work, I took the help of our subject teacher,
friends and seniors. Moreover, I collected the information required to complete
my project work from secondary sources.
SECONDARY SOURCES OF DATA COLLECTION:
1. I took the help of internet sources like google, youtube etc.
2. I also took help from the books in order to complete my project work.

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 CHAPTER III
PRESENTATION AND DATA ANALYSIS
MEASUREMENT OF SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY
1.DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY OF SOLID BY
METHOD OF MIXTURE

At first, to determine the specific heat capacity of a solid, a small solid sphere of
mass m1 and specific heat capacity is s1, is taken. The solid is heated to a
temperature T 1 and dropped in a calorimeter with water at the initial temperature
T 2. Suppose m2 and s2are the mass and specific heat capacity of the calorimeter
respectively. Let m3be the mass of water taken in a calorimeter and s3be the
specific heat capacity of water. When the solid is dropped into water, the
temperature of the water increases. By stirring the water, it can reach a constant
final temperature of the mixture T.
Suppose, the mass of the calorimeter with stirrer = m2
Mass of water = m3
Mass of solid sphere = m1
Initial temperature of calorimeter with stirrer and water = T 2
Initial temperature of solid sphere = T 1
Final temperature of mixture = T

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Specific heat capacity of calorimeter = s2
Specific heat capacity of solid sphere = s1
Specific heat capacity of water = s3

Now, the heat lost by the solid sphere when its temperature falls from T 1 to T is
Heat lost = m1 s 1(T 1-T)
Heat gained by calorimeter with stirrer and water system when their
temperature rises from T 2 to T is
Heat gain = m3 s 3 (T 2-T)+m2 s 2(T 2-T) = (m3 s 3+ m2 s 2) (T 2-T)
According to the principle of calorimetry, we can write
Heat lost = Heat gain
or, m1 s 1 (T 1-T)= (m3 s 3+ m2 s 2) (T 2-T)
(m3 s3 +m2 s 2)(T 2−T )
or, s1= (T 1−T )m 1

Thus, the specific heat capacity of a solid can be calculated by using the
method of mixture.

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2.DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY OF LIQUID

Suppose two identical calorimeters with their stirrer of mass m1and m2 in which
the first calorimeter contains water having mass m3 and specific heat capacity of
water is sw . The second calorimeter contains the same volume of liquid of mass
m4 , whose specific heat sl is to be determined as shown in the figure. Suppose t₁
and t₂ are the time in which water and liquid cool through temperatures T 1to T 2
respectively. Let s be the specific heat capacity of calorimeter.
At first, the heat is lost by the first calorimeter and its stirrer to cool from T 1to T 2
= m1s (T 1-T 2)
And, the heat lost by water to cool from T 1to T 2 = m3 s w(T 1-T 2)
So, the total heat lost by the first calorimeter with its stirrer and water in cooling
through T 1to T 2 is
Q1 = m1s (T 1-T 2)+m3 s w (T 1-T 2)

Thus, the rate of loss of heat by water in the first calorimeter with its stirrer in
cooling through T 1to T 2 is

6
d Q1 m1 s(T 1−T 2)+m3 s w (T 1−T 2 )
=
dt₁ t₁

Similarly, total heat lost by the second calorimeter with its stirrer and liquid in
cooling through T 1to T 2is
Q2 = m2s (T 1-T 2)+m4 sl (T 1-T 2)

Thus, the rate of loss of heat by the liquid in the second calorimeter with its
stirrer in cooling throughT 1to T 2 is given by
d Q2 m2 s(T 1−T 2)+m4 sl (T 1−T 2)
=
dt₂ t₂

According to Newton's law of cooling as the liquid and water have been cooled
under identical conditions, then their rate of cooling must be the same.
So,
d Q1 d Q2
=
dt₁ dt₂
m1 s(T 1−T 2)+m3 s w (T 1−T 2 ) m2 s(T 1−T 2)+m4 sl (T 1−T 2)
or, =
t₁ t₂
(m1 s+ m3 sw )(T 1−T 2 ) (m ¿ ¿ 2 s+ m4 sl )
or, =(T 1−T 2) ¿
t₁ t₂

( m1 s+m3 s w ) t ₂−t ₁m2 s

or, sl=
t ₁ m4

This is an expression that can be used to determine the specific heat capacity of
liquid by the method of cooling.

Q = ML
Where

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 SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS

We know that when heat energy is absorbed by a substance, its temperature

increases. If the same quantity of heat is given to equal masses of different
substances, it is observed that the rise in temperature for each substance is
different. This is due to the fact that different substances have different heat
capacities. So heat capacity of a substance is the quantity of the heat required to
raise the temperature of the whole substance by one degree. If the mass of the
substance is unity then the heat capacity is called Specific heat capacity or
the specific heat.

Specific heat depends on the state of a substance. In general, the specific heat of
solids and liquids is higher than those of gases. This is because of the
intermolecular forces operating in solids and liquids. When we heat the solids
and liquids, we need to supply them with potential energy as well as kinetic
energy. So, a different amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of an
equal mass of two different substances.

The specific heat capacities of some substances are given below.

S. No Substances Specific Heat Capacity(J/kg˚C)
1 Lead 130
2 Mercury 140
3 Silver 234
4 Brass 380
5 Copper 400
6 Steel 447
7 Iron 460
8 Aluminium 900
9 Glass 670
10 Kerosene 2200
11 Ice 2100
12 Alcohol 2400
13 Water 4200
14 Petrol 1670
15 Sand 800
16 Vegetable Oil 2000
17 Steam 1970

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Specific Heat Capacity of Water:
Specific heat capacity of water at normal temperature and pressure is
approximately 4.2 J/g°C. This means that it takes 4.2 joules of energy to raise
one degree Celsius from one gram of water. This Cp number is actually fairly
high. This is the specific heat of the water as a liquid (1cal /g ˚C) or the specific
heat capacity of liquid water.
One calorie= 4.184 joules
As with most liquids, the temperature of water increases as it absorbs heat and
decreases as it releases heat. However, the temperature of water falls and rises
more slowly than most other liquids. We can say that water absorbs heat
without an immediate rise in temperature. It also retains its temperature much
longer than other substances. The following are the applications of high specific
heat capacity of water:
1. The specific heat capacity of water is about five times more than that of
sand. It therefore, takes a much longer time to heat and to cool with
respect to sand.

 During the
day, the land
cools faster
than the sea.
The hot air
from the sea
rises while
the cool air
from the sea
moves to take
its place,
giving rise to
a sea breeze.

 During the night, the land cools faster than the sea. The
hot air from the land moves to take its place, giving rise
to a land breeze.

9
 2. Water is used as coolant car radiators due to its high specific heat
capacity, it can absorb a large amount of heat energy from the engine of
the car, but its temperature does not rise too high.
3. When hot water is poured into a rubber or plastic container and sealed, it
remains hot for a long period of time. This is because water has a
relatively high specific heat capacity (4,200 J/kg°C), which means it can
absorb and store a large amount of heat energy before its temperature
rises significantly. This makes water an effective medium for storing and
transferring heat energy in various applications, including heating
systems, cooking, and cooling.
4. Due to water’s high specific heat capacity, swimming pool water used to
be cold compared to the outside temperature.
5. Water's high specific heat capacity is used in refrigeration systems,
helping absorb heat from the contents inside a refrigerator or freezer.
6. In aquaculture and home aquariums, water's high specific heat capacity
helps maintain stable temperatures for aquatic life. It prevents rapid
temperature fluctuations that can stress or harm the organisms.

APPLICATIONS OF SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY

The applications of specific heat capacity are given below:
 Utensils for making tea or coffee, or cooking vegetables or rice, are made
of low-specific heat materials. They have a polished bottom. As a result,
they heat up faster. For example, copper, aluminium, and so on.

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 Specific heat capacity is also important inhomeinsulation. Materials with
a high specific heat capacity, such as concrete, can absorb and store heat
well. This can be useful in regions with hot summers and cool winters, as
it can help regulate the temperature inside a building by absorbing heat
during the day and releasing it atnight.
 Utensil handles at home are made of materials with high specific heat.
They provide thermal insulation. Specific heat also influences insulating
capability and conductivity.
 Materials with high specific heat capacity, like brick, can help to regulate
the temperature inside a building by absorbing and releasing thermal
energy slowly.
 Steam has a high specific heat (more than water). Steam is used to carry a
lot of heat energy at high pressures to run rail engines or rotors in AC
generators.
 Instrument like thermometer, the body may be made of higher specific
heat and the tip is made of material of low specific heat.

11
 CHAPTER IV
CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY
After the completion of the project work,I came to conclude that:
1. Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the
temperature of a unit mass (typically 1 gram or 1 kilogram) of a
substance by a certain amount, usually one degree Celsius (°C) or one
Kelvin (K).
2. When two objects of equal mass are heated at equal rates, the object with
the smaller specific heat capacity will have a faster temperature increase.
3. When two objects of equal mass are heated, to obtain the same
temperature increase, more heat is needed to be supplied to the object
with a larger specific heat capacity.
4. The dimensional formula of specific heat capacity is [ M 0 L2 T −2 K −1].
5. The object with a larger specific heat capacity will cool down at a slower
rate when two hot objects of equal mass are left to cool.
6. The temperature of liquid water falls and rises more slowly than most
other liquids since it has high specific heat capacity.
7. Specific heat capacity is important to determine the required energy to
heat or cool substances.
8. Utensil handles at home are made of materials with high specific heat.
They provide thermal insulation.
9. The specific heat of solids and liquids is higher than those of gases. This
is because of the intermolecular forces operating in solids and liquids.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY
I took the help from various sources to prepare my project work. Here are the
list of the websites:
1. https://content.myhometuition.com/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_heat_capacity
3. https://www.toppr.com/guides/physics/thermal-properties-of-matter/
specific-heat-capacity/
4. https://www.aplustopper.com/specific-heat-capacity/

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