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Experiment to measure the Specific
Latent Heat of Fusion of water
| 1.
Preparation: |
a) |
Learn the definition of (specific) latent heat of fusion |
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b) |
See below. |
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c) |
Write a list of all the results you will need to take during the
experiment. It is a good idea to try to write the list in the
order that you will take the results |
| 2. |
The method proposed here consists of adding ice to warm water,
a small piece at a time, and measuring the temperature
change of the water when the ice has completely melted.
Make the initial temperature of the warm water about 10°C
above room temperature. The final temperature of water and
melted ice should be about the same number of degrees below
room temperature as the initial temperature was above room
temperature |
| 3. |
a) Why is it an advantage to finish
the experiment with the water at about the same number of
degrees below room temperature as the initial temperature was
above room temperature? |
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b) The pieces of ice which you add
to the water must be neither too big nor too small. This
statement might appear to be obvious but what is "too
big" and what is "too small" in the context of
this experiment? |
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In thinking about this, consider the
following extremes |
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- What would be the main problem if
pieces of ice 2 or 3 mm3 were added to the water?
(Remember, the room temperature is about 20°C.) |
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- What would be the main problem if
"normal sized ice-cubes" were added to the water? |
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© David
Hoult 2008 |
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Open Door Web Site