METHODOLOGY

In the first activity entitled specific heat of the metal, the specific heat of the unknown metal was
calculated. First, the metal object was weighed. The metal was then placed inside a beaker with
water. Next, the beaker was subjected to heat of 80C. The inner vessel of the calorimeter was
weighed. After weighing, 2/3 of it was filled with water and was weighed again. The inner vessel
was placed in its insulating jacket and the temperature was measured. When the object in the
beaker reached 80C, it is quickly transferred into the calorimeter. The water was stirred with
the thermometer inside it. The equilibrium temperature was recorded. The specific heat of the
object and percent error were computed.

In the second activity entitled heat fusion of water, the empty inner vessel of the calorimeter was
weighed. It is then filled with water and weighed again. The inner vessel was placed into its
insulating jacket. The initial temperature of the water was recorded. Three pieces of ice cubes
were then added into the calorimeter. The equilibrium temperature was recorded after the ice
melted. The inner vessel was again weighed together with the water and melted ice inside it.
Using the equation for conservation of heat energy, the heat fusion of ice and the percent error
were calculated.

In the last activity entitled thermal expansion of solids, the initial length of the metal rod was
measured. Next, the metal rod was subjected to heat by connecting the outlet of the rod to a
boiler using a rubber tubing.The metal frame was then connected to the galvanometer. The
micrometer screw was moved so that it will touch the end of the rod. The initial reading of the
micrometer disc was recorded. The disc was unwound so that the rod can expand freely. Using a
steam coming from the boiler, the rod was heated for twenty times. The final temperature of the
rod was recorded. The disc was then moved until it is in contact again with the rod. The final
reading of the disc was recorded. The coefficient of linear thermal expansion of the rod and the
percent error were computed.