https://www.compadre.org/Physlets/thermodynamics/prob19_6.cfm

Open the simulation and click on the triangle run symbol. Let it run for the full 15 seconds. It will appear as below

The figure on the upper right is a portion of the figure from the lecture--the latent heat of fusion curve for water and ice (to provide relevance).Here we have the same curve for a metal.It basically heats up as 2400 W of heat flows into it, as a solid; then its temperature stays constant as it melts for the "latent heat" portion of the curve; and then rises again as the melted metal absorbs heat.

We will use data from the simulation to calculate the unknown metal's specific heat and latent heat of fusion.

The specific heat equation is Q = m c (T₂ - T₁).The latent heat equation is Q = m L_f.

Our goal is to calculate "c" and "L_f" from the red curve in the simulation, and then to identify the unknown metal concluding with an error analysis.

Let's review the concepts.2400 W of power is flowing into the metal, starting at t = 0 s.Its initial temperature is 540K as is indicated in the red metal substance.It heats up, meaning its temperature steadily rises.Then at about t = 3 s, its temperature levels off, at nearly 600 KThis "levelled off" portion stays at this temperature, as more heat energy continually pours in.This is "classic" latent heat behavior.It has become fully melted when the temperature curve starts back up again, at about t = 13 s.Now the heat is flowing into melted metal, a liquid.At 15 seconds when the simulation has stopped, the liquid metal's temperature is at 641.3K and still climbing.

We will use the cursor to identify temperatures and times, to fill in the blanks for this lab.Simply click on the start and end point of each curve segment, the yellow box shows time and then temperature in K.

Specific Heat Calculation, for the unknown metal as a solid

This is for the "Solid Specific Heat" portion of the temperature curve (the very left segment).

We need to find the time when this portion of the curve ends-- I get about 3 or 3.05 s, its start time is 0 s.

Question 1Click on this segment's end time, the temperature is just past 595K.Your end time is t = _3.05_ s.

Question 2Final and initial temperature data.From the simulation, record T₂ = _643 K, T₁ = _540_ K.

Question 3Energy calculation.Use energy = power time, to get the energy into the solid.Q = _3.05_ J.

Question 4Specific heat calculation. The metal is 1 kg. Use Q = m c (T₂ - T₁), to calculate "c".c = ________ J/kgK