Principle

In this experiment, a metal test body is rotated and heated by the friction due to a tensed band of synthetic material.The mechanical equivalent of heat for problem 1 is determined from the defined mechanical work and from the thermal energy increase deduced from the increase of temperature. Assuming the equivalence of mechanical work and heat, the specific thermal capacity of aluminium and brass is determined.

Benefits


Elegant set-up to measure conversion of mechanical energy in thermal energy

Perfect as demonstration experiment and very suitable as an introductory student experiment


Tasks


Determination of the mechanical equivalent of heat.

Determination of the specific thermal capacity of aluminum and brass.


What you can learn about


Mechanical equivalent of heat

Mechanical work

Thermal energy

Thermal capacity

First law of thermodynamics

Specific thermal capacity