Specific Heat Capacity with PASCO Temperature Probes

Specific heat capacity tells us how much energy is needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of a substance by 1°C. It’s a key concept in both physics and engineering, and with PASCO temperature probes, students can measure it accurately and see energy transfer in real time.

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The Experiment

Equipment:

• PASCO temperature probes and data logging software (such as Capstone)

• Power supply and immersion heater

• Metal blocks (aluminium, copper, brass)

• Stopwatch or automatic timing via sensor

• Balance to measure mass

Method:

1. Measure the mass (m) of the metal block.

2. Insert the PASCO temperature probe into the block’s central hole.

3. Apply a constant voltage and current to the heater for a measured time.

4. Record the temperature rise (ΔT) using the live digital trace on the PASCO software.

5. Use the electrical energy formula to calculate total energy supplied:

   $$E = V \times I \times t$$

6. Calculate the specific heat capacity (c):

   $$c = \frac{E}{m \times \Delta T}$$

The probe records temperature continuously, allowing students to see the heating curve and measure energy transfer precisely.

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The Science

Different materials require different amounts of energy to heat up. Metals such as aluminium heat up quickly because they have a lower specific heat capacity, while water takes longer as it stores more energy per degree rise.

This relationship explains everything from why coastal climates are mild to why engines and cookers use certain materials.

Using sensors makes the concept more precise: students no longer rely on manual readings or rough estimates but can analyse smooth data curves that show every stage of the heating process.

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Skills Highlight

• Using PASCO probes for accurate temperature measurement

• Collecting and analysing live data in a heating experiment

• Applying equations for energy, mass, and temperature change

• Linking data analysis to materials science and real-world energy applications

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Why It Works in Teaching

Specific heat capacity becomes meaningful when students see it happening. PASCO probes eliminate guesswork, showing heat transfer in real time and giving clear, quantitative confirmation of the theory.