Sources of Error in the SHC Practical
This key facts covers Sources of Error in the SHC Practical within Specific Heat Capacity for GCSE Physics. Revise Specific Heat Capacity in Energy for GCSE Physics with 15 exam-style questions and 13 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 8 of 15 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 8 of 15
Practice
15 questions
Recall
13 flashcards
⚠️ Sources of Error in the SHC Practical
Why your calculated SHC will probably be TOO HIGH:
- Heat loss to surroundings — not all energy goes into the block
- Your measured ΔE is higher than energy actually absorbed by block
- Since c = ΔE/(mΔθ), overestimating ΔE gives overestimated c
How to improve accuracy:
- Insulate the block — wrap in cotton wool to reduce heat loss
- Use oil in thermometer hole — better thermal contact
- Wait for thermal equilibrium — temperature keeps rising briefly after heater off
- Start below room temperature — heat gains balance heat losses
Quick Check: Calculate the energy needed to heat 2 kg of water from 20°C to 100°C. (SHC of water = 4200 J/kg°C)
ΔE = mcΔθ = 2 × 4200 × (100 − 20) = 2 × 4200 × 80 = 672,000 J (or 672 kJ)
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Specific Heat Capacity. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for Specific Heat Capacity
What does the specific heat capacity of a substance measure?
Water has a specific heat capacity of 4200 J/kg°C, much higher than most other common substances. Explain why this makes water useful in central heating systems.
Quick Recall Flashcards
15 questions on Specific Heat Capacity — practise free
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