CALORIMETRY
What is Specific Heat Capacity?
Specific heat capacity is the amount of thermal energy needed to raise the temperature of 1g of substance by 1°C. We can measure the energy changes in physical and chemical process using devices known as calorimeters.
adapted from:
DiGiuseppe, M., Haberer, S., Salciccioli, K., Sanader, M., & Vavitsas, A. (2012). Nelson Chemistry 12 University preparation. Toronto, ON: Nelson Education Ltd.
Specific heat capacity is the amount of thermal energy needed to raise the temperature of 1g of substance by 1°C. We can measure the energy changes in physical and chemical process using devices known as calorimeters.
adapted from:
DiGiuseppe, M., Haberer, S., Salciccioli, K., Sanader, M., & Vavitsas, A. (2012). Nelson Chemistry 12 University preparation. Toronto, ON: Nelson Education Ltd.
LESSON OVERVIEW (SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS: D2.1, D2.2, D2.3, D2.4, D3.3)
Lesson Hook/Minds On:
Pose to students the following scenario and problem:
Ever go to the beach and the sand is SO hot you have to sprint across it to cool your feet in the water? But, the BOTH the water and the sand have been exposed to the exact same Sun for the exact same amount of time. So why is it that the sand is so much hotter?
Have students discuss in groups and allow them to use extra resources (textbooks, internet, etc.) to help them. Ask some groups to share what they have come up; and then lead into the lesson by explaining that this is explained through the property of ‘specific heat capacity’ (if students have not come up with this answer on their own).
Pose to students the following scenario and problem:
Ever go to the beach and the sand is SO hot you have to sprint across it to cool your feet in the water? But, the BOTH the water and the sand have been exposed to the exact same Sun for the exact same amount of time. So why is it that the sand is so much hotter?
Have students discuss in groups and allow them to use extra resources (textbooks, internet, etc.) to help them. Ask some groups to share what they have come up; and then lead into the lesson by explaining that this is explained through the property of ‘specific heat capacity’ (if students have not come up with this answer on their own).
Teaching Strategy:
Introduce to students the topics of heat capacity and thermal energy transfer using a SMART board presentation. The presentation models the solving of calorimetry calculations. Explain the use of a calorimeter and have students work on an inquiry activity using a coffee cup calorimeter. Students will be required to measure the temperature changes of substances as they are in a calorimeter and then apply this information to calculate specific heat capacities.
Introduce to students the topics of heat capacity and thermal energy transfer using a SMART board presentation. The presentation models the solving of calorimetry calculations. Explain the use of a calorimeter and have students work on an inquiry activity using a coffee cup calorimeter. Students will be required to measure the temperature changes of substances as they are in a calorimeter and then apply this information to calculate specific heat capacities.
Consolidation:
After the activity, give students calorimetry practise problems to help solidify their knowledge. Students can work in pairs to assist each other if they get stuck. Whatever they do not finish they can take for homework. Interpersonal learners will benefit from interacting with a partner while intrapersonal learners can choose to problem solve on their own. Practising these calorimetry calculations will help students become proficient with this concept.
After the activity, give students calorimetry practise problems to help solidify their knowledge. Students can work in pairs to assist each other if they get stuck. Whatever they do not finish they can take for homework. Interpersonal learners will benefit from interacting with a partner while intrapersonal learners can choose to problem solve on their own. Practising these calorimetry calculations will help students become proficient with this concept.
FOPP: Professional practice
Click below for a few resources that can be used in conjunction with a lesson to further demonstrate the concept of calorimetry.