Question 1: What is the definition of specific heat capacity?

Answer: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius.

Question 2: Explain why materials with high specific heat capacities are useful in renewable energy storage systems.

Answer: Materials with high specific heat capacities can store more heat energy for a given temperature change, making them effective for thermal energy storage in renewable energy systems.

Question 1: Which of the following materials has the highest specific heat capacity? a) Aluminum, b) Water, c) Copper, d) Iron.

Answer: Water

Question 2: Describe in brief how the specific heat capacity of a material influences its temperature change when heat is added.

Answer: A material with a high specific heat capacity will undergo a smaller temperature increase when heated, compared to one with a low specific heat capacity, for the same amount of heat added.

Question 1: Calculate the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 200 g of aluminum from 20°C to 50°C. The specific heat capacity of aluminum is 0.900 J/g°C. Use the formula Q = mcΔT.

Answer: Q = 162 J

Question 2: A water tank contains 500 kg of water. How much heat energy is required to increase the water temperature from 15°C to 25°C? (Specific heat capacity of water = 4186 J/kg°C).

Answer: Q = 209300 J

Question 1: List three safety precautions that should be observed when performing heat transfer experiments involving hot materials.

Answer: Wear heat-resistant gloves, use proper protective equipment, and handle hot objects with tongs or tools to prevent burns.

Question 2: Identify at least two variables that should be controlled during an experiment measuring specific heat capacity.

Answer: Mass of the substance and the amount of heat supplied should be controlled to ensure accurate measurements.

Question 1: A sample of sulfur is heated, and it takes 300 J of energy to raise its temperature by 5°C. The mass of the sulfur sample is 50 g. Calculate its specific heat capacity.

Answer: Q = 300 J, ΔT = 5°C, m = 50 g, c = Q / (m * ΔT) = 300 / (50 * 5) = 1.2 J/g°C

Question 2: Explain how the specific heat capacity of a material affects its suitability for use in a solar thermal energy system.

Answer: Materials with high specific heat capacities are suitable for solar thermal energy systems because they can store more heat energy over time, helping to maintain a steady energy supply even when sunlight is intermittent. This ensures efficient energy storage and release, making the system more reliable.