Specific heat of fusion

The aim of this prac is to determine the latent heat of fusion. Fusion occurs when a substance changes state from liquid to solid, this energy is the same as when it melts from solid to liquid. In this activity we will be investigation the change of state of water from solid to liquid.

Set up two sets of equipment as below. You will also need a stop watch or timer.

Set up

1. Mount the large filter funnel on a retort stand

2. Place an immersion heater in the filter funnel

3. Surround the funnel with ice

4. Connect the heater to 4.0 V power supply

Method

1. Weigh and label two empty, dry cups.

2. Place some ice into the bottom of the funnel then lower the fusion heater. Put ice around and over the element, taking care not to pack it too hard as the elements are fragile

3. Wait for the drips to become regular and then place the first cup under the drip and time for five minutes. Remove and weight the mass

4. Turn the fusion heater on and wait until the drips become regular.

5. Place the second cup under the drip and time for five minutes noting the current and voltage each minute.

6. Remove and measure the mass

Results

V_average =

I_average =

Mass of water produced by heater =

Analysis

1. Calculate the power used for the 5 minutes of heating

2. Calculate the energy used in the 5 minutes of heating

3. Calculate the mass change in kg

4. To determine the specific latent heat of fusion by dividing your energy value by your mass in kg.

Discussion

1. Compare your value with the known value

2. What could be sources of error for this experiment?

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