Describe Electrical method of determining the specific heat capacity of a good conducting solid. 

• Two holes are drilled into the specimen solid of mass m.
• A thermometer is inserted in one of the holes and an electric heater into the other hole. The holes are then filled with a good conducting fluid, e.g. oil to ensure thermal contact.
• The apparatus is insulated and initial temperature θ₀ is recorded.
• The heater is switched on at the same time a stop clock is started.
• The steady values of ammeter reading, I and voltmeter reading, V are recorded.
• After considerable temperature rise, the heater is switched off and stop clock stopped.
• The highest temperature θ₁ recorded and time t taken noted.
• The specific heat capacity, c, of the conducting solid is calculated from

Assumptions

• no heat loss
• metal has good conductivity
• there is good heat transfer from the heater to the metal

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Dr. Bbosa Science