Specific Heat of a Metal

This experiment was carried out, in order to find and then to observe, understand the specific heat capacity of copper. Different types of metals may have different specific heat capacities due to their subatomic arrangements.

Equipment
250 mL beaker
Plastic foam cup
18 x 150 mm test tube
Ring stand and ring
Wire gauze
Bunsen Burner
Thermometer
Metal tongs

Method
Initially, a 250 mL beaker was half filled with water. Then the beaker was put onto a ring stand, with wire gauze supporting the beaker. After this, a scale measured the mass of an empty 18 x 150 mm test tube. Now, a cylindrical block of copper was placed into the empty test tube. Now the mass of the copper inside the test tube was measured by the same scale and recorded. Its mass was 57.07g. Only after the water reached boiling point (100°C) was the test tube (with copper inside) placed into the beaker. The whole of the metal was submerged into the water. The test tube was left submerged in the beaker for approximately 10 minutes. Whilst the test tube was in the boiling water, the 2nd part of the experiment was set up. A plastic foam cup was half filled, and the temperature was measured by a thermometer, and recorded. The temperature of the water was 28°C.
Once 10 minutes had passed, the test tube was removed from the beaker by using metal tongs. The metal was now tipped into the plastic foam cup and the mixture was stirred. Once again, the temperature of the water was measured, and the highest temperature was recorded (32°C).

Observations
The mass of the metal in the boiling tube was measured. As the water was boiling, the water bubbled violently. When this change in the water was observed, a thermometer was used to verify that the