Question

Explain the method to determine the specific heat capacity of a liquid like olive oil using the method of mixtures.

Answer 1

Method to determine the specific heat capacity

1. A solid of known specific heat capacity(c_s) is taken and noted it's weight(m_s).
2. The solid is heated up by hanging it in a container having boiling water.
3. Then mass(m₁) of the empty calorimeter is recorded and olive oil is filled into it.
4. Let the specific heat capacity of the material of the calorimeter be c_c.
5. Calorimeter is again weighed and mass (m₂) is noted.
6. The mass of the olive oil is calculated by the difference between an empty and filled calorimeter.
7. Using the thermometer, the initial temperature (T₁) of the calorimeter is noted.
8. Also, the temperature (T₂) of the solid is noted.
9. Then the solid is carefully released into the calorimeter.
10. After constant stirring, the final temperature or temperature of the mixture(T) is recorded.

The formula for specific heat capacity

Specific heat capacity of olive oil using the method of mixtures is calculated by:

$c_o=\frac{m_s{c}_s\left(T_2-T\right)-m_1{c}_c(T-T_1)}{m_2-m_1\left(T-T_1\right)}$

In this way, the specific heat capacity of olive oil using the method of mixtures is determined.