4.1.1.3 Required practical 1 — Specific heat capacity

What you do (method)

• Measure mass of the block/water.
• Supply a known power for a measured time (or measure energy directly if given).
• Measure temperature change.
• Calculate energy transferred: E = P × t.
• Calculate SHC: c = E / (m × ΔT).

Common mistakes

• Mixing units (g vs kg, °C vs K for changes).
• Using the starting temperature instead of ΔT.
• Forgetting heat losses: results are often lower than expected.

Practice questions

• PMT practical skills/questions: https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/physics-revision/gcse-aqa/

Support videos

• FreeScienceLessons SHC practical search: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=freesciencelessons+specific+heat+capacity+required+practical