GCSE Physics equations practice
Select a relationship from the equation sheet, rearrange it and calculate with the right units.
Specific heat capacity and latent heat questions
Calculate heating energy, temperature rise and changes of state; analyse electrical heating and stated energy losses.
Practise
Account for heat lossA heater supplies 40320 J. Of this, 20160 J goes to the surroundings and apparatus. The remaining energy warms a 0.4 kg sample by 12 °C. Find its specific heat capacity. Give your answer to 3 significant figures.
Treat the given values as exact unless an uncertainty is stated.
Hint
Subtract the stated losses before using E = mcΔθ.
Worked solution
- E_sample = 40320 − 20160 = 20160 J.
- c = 20160 / (0.4 × 12) J kg⁻¹ °C⁻¹.
- Answer: 4.20 × 103 J kg⁻¹ °C⁻¹ (3 significant figures).
Question type: Account for heat loss
Report a problem
Foundation and Higher: this set covers content common to both tiers. Some calculations need several steps.
Heating and changes of state
Use E = mcΔθ when temperature changes without a change of state. Use E = mL for a change of state at constant temperature. Specific heat capacity is measured in J kg⁻¹ °C⁻¹; specific latent heat in J kg⁻¹. Electrical input Pt may include energy transferred to the surroundings and apparatus. Only treat it as energy gained by the sample when the question states that assumption.
Work through the practical method and sample results
GCSE scope
AQA 8463: 4.1.1.3; 4.3.2.2–3; required practical 1 (selected); OCR Gateway J249: P1.2d–f; PM1.2i–ii; PAG P5 (selected). Tasks cover the selected skills listed above.