A student investigates the specific heat capacity of a metal block. The 0.5 kg block is heated by an electric heater. The heater transfers 12000 J of energy to the block and the temperature of the block rises by 30 degrees C. specific heat capacity = energy transferred / (mass x temperature change)
(a)Calculate the specific heat capacity of the metal from the student's results. Give the unit with your answer.(2)
(b)The value the student calculates is higher than the true value for the metal. Suggest why not all of the 12000 J was transferred to the block.(1)
(c)Give one change the student could make to reduce this energy loss.(1)
(Total for Question 9 is 4 marks)