Specific Heat Capacity of a Metal In this laboratory exercise we will determine the specific heat capacity of two different metals. Part 1 Since the specific heat capacity of water is known we can use changes of temperature of water to determine the amount of heat associated with the temperature change of water. Weigh your metal cylinders and record the mass of each then place them in a water bath over a Bunsen burner and heat to boiling. Allow the water to boil for several minutes before transferring a sample. While the samples are heating, prepare a calorimeter by nestling two Styrofoam cups together. Carefully measure 50 mL of water and place it in the calorimeter. Record the temperature of the boiling water (This is the initial temperature of the metal) and the temperature of the water in the calorimeter (This is the initial temperature of the water). Using your crucible tongs, remove one of the metal cylinders and as quickly as possible place it in the water in the calorimeter. Using a digital thermometer measure the temperature of the water in the calorimeter with gentle stirring. Record the highest temperature reached by the mixture (This is the final temperature of both the metal and the water). Rinse your calorimeter and repeat the steps with the second metal cylinder. Upon completion of the measurements you can calculate the specific heat capacities of the metals by assuming the heat lost by the hot metal is equal to the heat gained by the water in the calorimeter. Heat lost by metal cylinder = Heat gained by the water Heat lost by the metal cylinder = mass of cylinder x specific heat capacity of metal (c) x temperature change of the metal Heat gained by the water = mass of water x specific heat capacity of water x temperature change of the water Using these relationships, calculate the specific heat capacity (c) of each of the metal cylinders and check know specific heat capacities to see if you can identify the metal you used. Discuss any errors and possible sample identities in your lab report. 100mL in each cup Aluminum Cylinder Brass Cylinder Mass 17.38g 53.67g Temp of water cold water in 160 16c calorimeter Temp of water used to heat 100c 100c cylinder Final temp of calorimeter water 19c 19.5c after cylinder is added