Experiment No.

Determining the Specific Heat of an Unknown

Metal
INTRODUCTION

We have discussed several topics in thermochemistry. One of the main

equations we use to calculate heat transfers was q=msT. For this topic you
need to find a method that will allow you to calculate s, or the specific heat,
of an unknown metal that I will provide you. You will need to get your
procedure approved by me before beginning your experiment. You will be
allowed to use all of the same equipment as used in the first laboratory
activity that we did for this topic.
After completeing this laboratory experiment, you will be producing a
laboratory report. Be sure to follow the rubric provided. You will be required
to include an introduction, an experimental procedure, a results section, and
a discussion section. The introduction should include the theory behind the
topic being done. The experimental procedure should include all the steps
you preformed to complete the experiment. The results section should
summarize the results of the lab in a table or graph whichever is more
convenient. You should make sure to include all the data you collected. The
discussion section is where you should report any values you calculated from
the data you collected. You should also discuss what metal you think you
were given by doing some research. Be sure to cite any sources you used at
the end of your paper.

DETERMINING THE IDEAL GAS LAWDETERMINING THE IDEAL 2

GAS LAW 7

Data and Calculations

DETERMINING THE IDEAL GAS LAW 28

Pre-Lab Questions
DETERMINING THE IDEAL GAS LAW 29

1. Manipulate the ideal gas equation (PV=nRT) to find the pressure of the
gas as a function of volume. (Hint: get pressure on side of the
equation and volume on the other side.) What is your independent
variable ( what are you changing throughout the experiment) and what
is the dependent variable (what are you measuring on the computer).
What should the slope be equal to if you think about it in the form
y=mx+b (x is your independent variable and b is the y intercept and
can be zero.)

2. This experiment assumes that the temperature remains constant and

the temperature of the gas is the temperature of the room. Is this a
reasonable assumption? Why or why not?

3. A student did this lab and determined that the slope of the line for the
data was 0.0114. The volume the gas took up in the syringe was 10.8
mL. The temperature of the room was 21C. Determine the value for
R, the gas proportionality constant, for this data. Make sure to find all
variables and get them to the correct units. Assume ideal gas
behavior.

DETERMINING THE IDEAL GAS LAW 30

Post-Lab Questions
1. Provide a graph for the data showing the relationship between volume
and temperature and the pressure and volume. Extrapolate the
temperature needed for the volume to be zero based on a best-fit line.

2. Why did you graph the relationship between pressure and 1/volume
not pressure and volume. (Think about the question in the pre-lab)

3. Determine the percent error for all of your R-values.

4. Why would there be a difference between your R-value and the R-value
for an ideal gas?

DETERMINING THE IDEAL GAS LAW 31