4.3.2.2 Capacity

Spec reference: 4.3.2 (subtopic).

What you need to know

• Capacity
• independent variable – material
• dependent variable – specific heat capacity
• control variables – insulating layer, initial temperature, time taken
• ∆E = m × c × ∆O
• Method:
• 1. Using the balance, measure and record the mass of the copper
• block in kg.

Self-assessment (checklist)

• I can describe what affects the temperature increase of
• I can calculate the energy change involved when the

Key steps (method)

• Identify what the question is testing and use the correct equation/definition.
• Show substitutions and units clearly.

Common mistakes

• Unit conversions, rearranging errors, or quoting a law without applying it.