Explain measurement of specific heat: Mixing method and calorimeter.

Explanation

1.The specific heat of an object can be measured using mixing method.
2. For this method, a calorimeter is used.
3. If a hot solid object is put in the water in a calorimeter, heat exchange between the hot object and the water and calorimeter starts. This continues till the temperatures of the solid object, water and the calorimeter become equal.
4. Therefore, Heat lost by solid object= Heat gained by water in calorimeter+ Heat gained by the calorimeter.
5. Here, heat lost by the solid object (Q) = mass of the solid object x its specific heat x decrease in its temperature.
6. Similarly, heat gained by the water (`Q_1`)= mass of the water x its specific heat x increase in its temperature as,
7. Heat gained by the calorimeter (`Q_2`)= mass of the calorimeter x its specific heat x increase in its temperature.
8. Heat lost by hot object= Heat gained by calorimeter+ Heat gained by water.
`Q=Q_2+Q_1` .
9. Using these equations, if the specific heat of water and the calorimeter are known, the specific heat of the solid object can be calculated.