Group 4 Project Physics

The title of our Group 4 Project in Physics was Measuring Specific Heat Capacity of 1 PLN coin. The conducted experiment involved taking a 1 PLN coin and measuring its Specific Heat Capacity (SHC) with a method of liquids. Then, the resultant value was compared to the actual one and conclusions drawn. Considering the theme for this years Group 4 Project experiments, we concluded that measurement of SHC fits well with the theme and is straightforward enough to be conducted in schools physics lab. The experiment was done using the method of liquids. It involved heating the coin to 100 oC by boiling it in water, transferring it to a cup with known mass and temperature of water and recording the change of temperature of water after the coin was drop. Assuming that the drop of temperature of the coin and the water was the same, and by looking up SHC of water we were able to do calculations on the SHC formula to get the approximate SHC for the coin. From our experiments, we have found out that the SHC of tested 1 PLN coin was 482 78 J-1kg oC. 1 PLN coins are made of cupronickel alloy. Excluding very small percentages of other elements, it is made of 75% copper (SHC: 390 J-1kg oC) and 25% nickel (SHC: 540 J-1kg oC). From this data we were able to calculate very approximate value of SHC of cupronickel, which is around 430 J-1kg oC. Assuming it has its own, probably large, uncertainty and comparing it with the resultant value of our experiment (482 78 J-1kg oC) it can be seen that the two values overlap. Taking into account so many variables and quite large uncertainties I consider the experiment to be a success. My input into the project, especially in the Physics part, was significant. I came up with the idea of calculating Specific Heat Capacity of money, later we settled it on 1 PLN coin, designed the experiment and conducted it with some help of other team members. I also took part in the Chemistry project, where I was responsible for operating the electrical thermometer and computer which logged the temperature. I was also helping to ignite the food and keep it burning during the course of the experiment. I was also involved in the design of Biology project, where I gave my advice on other team members ideas. During the course of the project I learned that although I am not learning Biology and Chemistry in IB, I was able to take part in experiments from these areas and actively contribute to the teams success. Bartosz Puczynski 12J