LuduminaEN-08 · EN-U3 · Planned
Specific heat capacity
Learning objectives
Calculate thermal energy changes; design and evaluate a method for estimating c.
8463 §§4.1.1.3,4.3.2.2 / 8464 §§6.1.1.3,6.3.2.2
DfE single-science pp.34–35 / Combined pp.29–30. Evidence checked 30 September–1 October 2026. Skills: WS2.1–2.7,3.1–3.8; MS2a,2b,3b,3c.
Needs firstEN-07
Explanation
Specific heat capacity compares the energy needed for equal mass and temperature change. A heater’s total supplied energy may partly warm the apparatus or escape to the surroundings. Treating all input as sample heating can bias an estimate of c upward.
Concepts, equations and units: ΔE=mcΔθ; J, kg, c in J/(kg °C), Δθ in °C; E_input=Pt for heater input, with possible losses.
Prediction, demonstration and game exercise
Predict, observe, explain
Heat equal masses with equal model input; show temperature traces, sensor resolution and heat loss.
Planned learner game exercise
Select heater, balance, thermometer and timer; collect repeated datasets and estimate c.
Independent practice
Calculate c; plot temperature rise against supplied energy; identify a systematic overestimate from heat loss.
Original practice example · Shared
A 0.50 kg sample gains 4000 J and warms by 20 °C without changing state. Find c.
Show working and model answer
Working / reasoning
c = ΔE/(mΔθ) = 4000/(0.50 × 20).
Answer
400 J/(kg °C).
Exit check and success criteria
Correct c with units plus one control variable and one justified method improvement.
During practice, compare the prediction with evidence and give an error-specific prompt. The exit item uses a fresh context or fresh values, answered independently.
Misconceptions, practical links and mastery
Check these misconceptions
Same temperature implies same internal energy; all electrical input heats the sample.
Practical preparation
RP-P1/RP-C14 preparation and analysis; AT1,5.
Virtual preparation and revision only. Required hands-on activities and school records remain separate.
Proposed mastery
0: not yet evidenced. 1: supported. 2: independent exit criteria met. 3: successful changed-context transfer. Advance at 2; revisit with fresh retrieval. These are not GCSE grades.