Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

02 Heat Capacity
Checkpoint

Checkpoint 1 (p.57)
1. (a) No
It is a unit of energy.
(b) Yes
By P = , the unit of power can be expressed as
J/s.
(c) Yes
One kilowatt (kW) = 1000 W.
2. By E = Pt, the energy transferred E in the process is
equal to the area under the P–t graph. So,
E = (3)(60 × 2) + (1)[60 × (4 − 2)] + (2)[60 × (5 − 4)]
= 600 kJ
 Remember to convert the time from minutes to
seconds when you apply E = Pt.
3. 1: b
A decreasing power corresponds to a decreasing rate of
energy transfer.
2: a, 3: c
A constant power corresponds to a constant rate of
energy transfer. Since graph 2 shows a higher power, it
corresponds to a higher rate of energy transfer, i.e.
graph a.

4. Rearranging E = Pt, we have t = .

(a) For the oil radiator, the time is

t= = 1800 s

i.e. = 0.5 h or = 30 min.

(b) For the Christmas lightings, the time is

t= = 36000 s

i.e. = 10 h or = 600 min.

(c) For the TWO air conditioners, the time required

t= = 1200 s

i.e. = h or = 20 min.

Checkpoint 2 (p.60)
1. For the same material, the larger the mass, the
larger the heat capacity. Thus,
Csea > Cpool > Cbottle of water > Ccup of water
2. The energy removed is
E = C∆T = (1200)(25 − 5) = 24000 J
3. (a) Heat capacity

C= = = 800 J °C−1
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

(b) The new heat capacity of the soup

= 800 × 2 = 1600 J °C−1.
By E = C∆T,
44000 = (1600)(T − 25)
∴ T = 52.5 °C
(c) See the graph below.

Checkpoint 3 (p.70)
1. For 2 L of water, ∆T = 5 °C
For 4 L of water, ∆T = 2.5 °C
2. The specific heat capacity of aluminium is
c= = = 980 J kg−1 °C−1

3. (a) The stove of water in the 2nd trial has a higher

heat capacity.
(b) The stoves of water in both trials have the same
specific heat capacity.
(c) The peaks will shift to the right, showing that the
water takes a longer time to boil.

4. (a) From C = , for the same amount of heat

transferred E, we have C ∝ . So, the heat

capacities are ranked in descending order as
CX > CY > CZ

(b) From c = , for the same amount of heat

transferred E, we have c ∝ . The table below

shows the values of m∆T of the objects.
object m∆T / kg °C
X (7)(4) = 28
Y (5)(6) = 30
Z (3)(8) = 24
So, the specific heat capacities are ranked in
descending order as
cZ > c X > c Y

Checkpoint 4 (p.76)
1. (a) B
As no heat is transferred between two objects at
the same temperature, the final temperature
remains unchanged.
(b) B
The final temperature of the mixture must be in
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

between the initial temperatures of the hot water

and the cold water.
(c) B
As only a small amount of hot water is added, the
final temperature of the mixture should be closer
to the initial temperature of the cold water.
2. C
By conservation of energy, the heat released by the hot
water is equal to that absorbed by the cold water.
3. Let T be the new temperature of the water. The energy
released by the hot water is
E1 = m1 c1 ∆T1 = (1.5)(4200)(100 − T)
The energy absorbed by the container is
E2 = C2 ∆T2 = (1200)(T − 25)
Assume no heat loss to the surroundings. By
conservation of energy, we have E1 = E2, i.e.
(1.5)(4200)(100 − T) = (1200)(T − 25)
7500T = 660000
∴ T = 88 °C
4. A thermometer should have a small heat capacity.
Otherwise, it will change the temperature of the target
by a significant amount.

Exercise

Exercise 2.1 (p.57)

1. (a) At the rate of 1 W, the total energy transferred in
one day is

E= × × 24 h = 86400 J

(b) The total energy given off is

Etotal = (5)(86400)(30)
= 1296000 J
= 12.96 MJ
2. The energy used to heat up the food is
E = (1200)(60 × 10)(1 − 0.65) = 252 kJ
3. The minimum area needed is
Amin = ≈ 22.7 m2

4. (a) (1) From t = 0 to t = t1, the rate of energy

transfer to the potato decreases.
(2) From t = t1 to t = t2, there is no net energy
transfer to the potato.
(b) While gaining energy from the fireplace, the hot
potato loses energy to the surroundings at the
same time.
When the rate of energy gain is the same as that
of energy loss, the potato does not heat up but
stays at a constant temperature.
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

5. (a) See the graph below.

 An increasing P means that energy is

transferred to the water faster and faster. Hence
the water gains energy (and temperature) in an
increasing rate.
(b) The temperature rises more rapidly at t2.

Exercise 2.2 (p.70)

1. C
By E = Pt and E = mc∆T,
Pt = mc∆T
∴ c=

2. (a) T
The lower the heat capacity of the object, the less
energy required to raise its temperature by 1 °C.
It means the object will be heated up faster.
(b) F
The two objects may not be made of the same
material. The one heated up faster may have a
larger volume but a lower specific heat capacity.
(c) F
On the contrary, if the objects are made of the
same materials, the more massive one heats up
slower.
3. (a) By E = Pt, the total energy supplied is
E = (2500)(125) = 312500 J = 312.5 kJ
(b) From the graph, the final temperature of the oil is
180 °C. So, the specific heat capacity of the oil
c= =

= 2520 J kg−1 °C−1

(c) We know that the slope of the graph
= = . If the mass of the oil is doubled, its
heat capacity is doubled and hence the slope of
the graph is halved.
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

4. (a) The total energy lost by the soup is

E = mc∆T = (0.25)(3900)(90 − 45) = 43875 J
(b) The average rate of energy lost by the soup is
P= = ≈ 30.5 W

5. (a) By E = Pt = C∆T, the heat capacity of a metal cube

is C = .
The ratio of their heat capacities is

C X : CY : CZ = : :

= : :

So, the heat capacities are arranged as

CZ > CX = C Y
(b) By E = Pt = mc∆T, the specific heat capacity of a
metal cube is c = ( )( ).
The ratio of their specific heat capacities
cX : cY : cZ
= : :

= : :

So, the specific heat capacities are arranged as

cY > cZ > cX
6. (a) Refer to the table below.
material specific heat capacity
/J kg−1 °C−1
aluminium 900
air 720
copper 390
lead 130
water 4200
Ranking their specific heat capacities in ascending
order, we have
clead < ccopper < cair < caluminium < cwater

(b) As density ρ = and C = mc, we have C = ρVc.

material heat capacity/J °C−1

aluminium (2710)(0.001)(900) = 2439
air (1.29)(0.001)(720) = 0.9288
copper (8940)(0.001)(390) = 3486.6
lead (11300)(0.001)(130) = 1469
water (1000)(0.001)(4200) = 4200
Ranking their heat capacities in ascending order,
we have
Cair < Clead < Caluminium < Ccopper < Cwater
7. (a) The heat capacity of the air in the office is
C = mc = (10 × 10 × 2.5)(1.2)(1000)
= 300 kJ °C−1
(b) The energy to be removed is
E = C∆T = (300000)(30 − 22) = 2.4 MJ
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

(c) By E = Pt, the time required to remove the energy

from the room is
t= ≈ 686 s

8. The coffee at 50 °C cools down slower than when it is at

75 °C. After another 15 minutes, its temperature drop
should be less than that in the previous 15 minutes.
Hence the coffee will be hotter than 25 °C.
9. (a) The rate of energy loss increases as the liquid gets
hotter. When this rate is equal to the rate of
energy gain from the heater, the temperature of
the liquid becomes stable.
(b) After switching off the heater, the temperature
drop in liquid X is only due to the energy loss to
the surroundings.
Let c be the specific heat capacity of liquid X.
By E = Pt = mc∆T, in 1 s,
10 × 1 = (0.25c)(1 × )
c = 2400 J kg−1 °C−1
10. (a) (1) The experimental result will be higher. If
this is ignored, the thermal contact between
the block and the thermometer becomes
poorer. The final temperature reading will
be lower than the actual final temperature
of the block. Since
c∝ , the experimental result will be
higher.
(2) The experimental result will be higher. If
this is ignored, the block loses energy more
readily. Since c ∝ E, the experimental result
will be higher.
(3) The experimental result will be higher. If
this is ignored, the block loses energy more
readily. Since c ∝ E, the experimental result
will be higher.
(b) No.
Since plastic is a poor conductor of heat, it is
heated up with uneven temperatures in different
parts.

11. In Experiment 2.1, we have c = .

(a) Taking the joulemeter reading after the heater is

switched on for a minute ensures a steady rate of
heat transfer from the heater to the water. This
would not make the experimental value larger but
more accurate.
(b) This reduces the energy absorbed by the water
from the heater. In other words, the energy
absorbed by the water E1 − E0 will be
overestimated. As a result, the measured value of
c becomes larger than the standard value.
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

(c) The water temperature keeps rising as the heater

is still hotter than the water, immediately after the
heater is switched off. If the temperature reading
is taken before it rises to a maximum, the
temperature rise of the water T1 − T0 will be
underestimated. As a result, the measured value
of c becomes larger than the standard value.

Exercise 2.3 (p.76)

1. Only options (a) and (c) can best account for the
significant loss.
(a) It is a possible reason.
The metal cube is hotter than the air around.
(b) It is not a possible reason.
If boiling water is carried to the polystyrene cup,
the water inside is likely to absorb additional
energy.
(c) It is a possible reason.
Both the thread and stirrer have thermal contacts
with hotter metal cube and/or water in the cup.
2. (a) The energy gained by every kg of the coolant is
Egain = mC∆T = (1)(3000)(60 − 20) = 120 kJ
(b) The energy released by every kg of the coolant is
Erelease = mC∆T = (1)(3000)(60 − 22)= 114 kJ
(c) The energy gained by the coolant after completing
one cycle is
E = 120 − 114 = 6 kJ
3. Let T be the final temperature of the mixture.
By conservation of energy, the energy lost by the hot
water = the energy gained by the noodles.
(0.3)(4200)(98 − T) = (0.1)(2400)(T − 25)
123480 − 1260T = 240T − 6000
∴ T = 86.32 ≈ 86.3 °C
4. (a) The heat capacity of the cup is
C = (1300)(0.005) = 6.5 J °C−1
(b) By conservation of energy, the energy lost by the
water and noodles = the energy gained by the
cup.
6.5(T − 25)
= (86.32 − T)[(0.3)(4200) + (0.1)(2400)]
∴ T ≈ 86.1 °C
(c) He is incorrect.
Even when the cup is taken into account, only a
small portion of energy is absorbed by the cup
and the final temperature of the ’mixture’ in (b) is
only 0.2 °C lower than the result in Question 3. So,
the result in Question 3 is still accurate.
5. (a) Let t be the time required to turn on the tap. By
conservation of energy, the energy lost by the hot
water = the energy gained by the cold water.
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

(0.05 × t)(4200)(70 − 37)

= (18)(4200)(37 − 25)
1.65t = 216
∴ t = 130.9 ≈ 131 s
(b) Let m be the mass of the hot water to be further
added. By conservation of energy, the energy lost
by the hot water further added = the energy
gained by the water in the tub.
m(4200)(70 − 37)
= (18 + 0.05 × 130.9)(4200)(0.5)
33m = 12.2725
∴ m ≈ 0.372 kg
6. (a) Let m be the mass of the milk added to the hot tea.
By conservation of energy, the energy gained by
the milk = the energy lost by the tea.
m × (4000)(90 − 25)=(0.25)(3800)(95 − 90)
260000m = 4750
∴ m = 0.01827 ≈ 0.0183 kg
(b) Let T be the final temperature of the tea. By
conservation of energy, the energy gained by the
two slices of lemon = the energy lost by the tea.
(2 × 40)(T − 18) = (0.25)(3800)(95 − T)
1030T = 91690
T = 89.02 °C
∴ Etotal = (2 × 40)(89.02 − 18) ≈ 5680 J
7. (a) By E = mc∆T , the energy gained by the water is
E = (1)(4200)(50 – 25) = 105000 J
(b) The initial temperature of the plate T is the same
as the temperature of the stove. By conservation
of energy, the energy lost by the aluminium plate
= the energy gained by the cold water.
(0.25)(900)(T − 50) = 105000
∴ T ≈ 517 °C

Exercise 2.4 (p.79)

1 (a) Yes.
The land has a smaller specific heat capacity than
the sea water and therefore absorbs less energy
during the daytime. It takes a shorter time for the
land to cool down as it releases less energy.
(b) Yes.
Fried noodles have a lower water content. They
release more energy when they cool down and
the time taken is longer.
(c) No.
The specific heat capacity of a material describes
the relation between the energy absorbed and the
temperature rise. The fact that water is a common
solvent is irrelevant.
(d) Yes.
The filling of a hot apple pie has a higher water
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

content than the crust. It releases more energy

when it touches your tongue.
2. Wet sand contains more water than dry sand. Due to
the high specific heat capacity of water, it has a smaller
temperature rise when it is heated up by the sun. Hence
we feel the wet sand cooler.
3. the tea has a much higher specific heat capacity than
the poon. It releases more energy than the spoon does
when they are put into the mouth.
4. First, congee is rich in water, which has a specific heat
capacity. It take a long time for the temperature of the
congee to drop as much energy has to be released.
Second, congee is viscous and the water inside cannot
flow freely. Convection current is not formed effectively
and the cooling process is greatly slowed down.

Chapter Exercise

Multiple-choice Questions (p.81)

1. D
The energy absorbed by the wall in 2 hours is
E = (300)(6.0)(60 × 60 × 2)
= 12960000 J ≈ 13.0 MJ
2. B
As E increases linearly, X gains energy steadily. By E =
mc∆T, the gain in energy is proportional to the
temperature rise. Thus the temperature of X rises
linearly.
3. A
Option A is correct.
At 1 min, X has a higher temperature than Y, so is its
average molecular KE.
Option B is incorrect.
At 2 min, X still has a higher temperature than Y. As two
blocks are identical, X has a larger internal energy than
Y.
Option C is incorrect.
By E = Pt = C∆T, the slope of the T–t graph = . At any

time t, the steeper the slope, the higher the rate of

gaining energy.
Option D is incorrect
because X and Y are in the same state.
4. D
Statement (1) is incorrect.
By E = mc∆T, the slope of E–T graph equals the heat
capacity of the milk mc, which is not affected by the
energy loss to the surroundings.
Statement (2) is correct
because the graph of X is less steep than that of Y.
Statement (3) is correct.
As Y and Z have the same mass and the same slope in
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

the E–T graph, their specific heat capacities are the

same.
5. C
By C = , the ratio of the heat capacities of the four
materials is

CW : C X : C Y : C Z = : : :
= 645 : 234 : 1154 : 328
So Y has the highest heat capacity.
6. B
By E = Pt = C∆T, the slope of the T–t graph
= . With the same heat capacity, the steepest graph
corresponds to the highest rate of energy gain.
7. A Measure (1) reduces the evaporation rate and hence
the energy loss to the surroundings.
Measure (2) does not make the temperature readings
more accurate. It cannot reduce any error.
Measure (3) neglects that the heater can still be hotter
than the water. The temperature change of the water ∆T
will be underestimated and this induces error when
we calculate c .
8. C
Only specific heat capacity is independent of mass.
Other quantities are all proportional to mass.
9. B
Option D is incorrect.
When R and S are heated at the same rate, R should get
hot faster because its specific heat capacity is lower.
Option B is correct but options A and C are both
incorrect. By E = Pt and E = mc∆T, if the specific heat
capacity c doubles, the time needed to heat up the
material to the same temperature also doubles.
10. A
Since B is shallower than A, the mass of water per unit
area for B is smaller. Since power is transferred from
the sun to the pools at the same rate per unit area, B
heats up faster (P ∝ 1 m).
 We know that m ∝ Ad where A is the area and d is the
depth. Since E ∝ m, we have ∝ d.

11. C
When X and Y are in contact, heat flows from the hotter
to the colder, i.e. from X to Y, until they reach the same
temperature. Note that the energy lost by X is the same
as that gained by Y.
As X has a higher heat capacity (as it has the same mass
as Y but a larger specific heat capacity), its temperature
change should be smaller. Hence we can deduce that
the final temperature is closer to the original
temperature of X, i.e. 35 °C.
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

OR: By conservation of energy, the energy lost by X =

the energy gained by Y. Thus
mX cX ∆TX = mY cY ∆TY
= = <1

∴ ∆TX < ∆TY

Structured Questions (p.83)

12. (a) The energy taken in by the animal is
E = mc∆T = (0.1)(4200)(39 − 36) = 1260 J (1M)

The rate of energy gained by the animal is

P= = (1M)

= 10.5 W (1A)

(b) Some energy has been lost to the surroundings.

(1A)

OR: Not all the energy released by the oven is

transferred to the animal. (1A)
(c) Any ONE of the following: (1A)
• Wrap the animal with cotton cloths.
• Place the animal in a warm environment.
(Accept other reasonable answers.)
13. (a) (i) Let T1 be the temperature of the soup after
it is poured into the vacuum flask, and T2 be
the final temperature of the soup in the flask
after 75 minutes. By conservation of energy,
the energy lost by the soup = the energy
gained by the flask.
(2000)(95 − T1) = (320)(T1 − 25)
2320T1 = 198000
∴ T1 = 85.34 °C (1M)
The energy lost by the soup is
Eloss = Pt = (2)(75 × 60) = 9000 J (1M)

By E = mc∆T, we have
9000 = (2000)(85.34 − T2)
∴ T2 ≈ 80.8 °C (1A)
(ii) Wrap the flask with cotton wool. (1A)
(Accept other reasonable answers.)
(b) (i) Let T be the final temperature of the soup in
the bowl. By E = Pt, the energy lost by the
soup in the bowl is
Eloss = (12)(2 × 60 × 60) = 86400 J (1M)
By E = mc∆T, we have
86400 = (2000)(95 − T)
T = 51.8 °C (1A)
(ii) The final temperature of the soup will be
higher. (1A)
because the heat loss by convection of air
above the bowl of soup is reduced (1A)
if the bowl is covered with a lid.
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

14. (a) (i) In the first 3.5 minutes, the temperature

increases almost linearly. (1A)
(ii) In the first 3.5 minutes, we have
slope = = (1M)

By E = mc∆T and E = Pt, we have

Pt = mc∆T
∆T = ( )t (1M)

Since the slope of the temperature–time

graph equals , we have

= (1M)

∴ c = 152.7 ≈ 153 J kg−1 °C−1 (1A)

(b) Any ONE of the following: (1A)

• There is heat loss to the surroundings.
• Not all the energy supplied by the heater is
transferred to the block.
(Accept other reasonable answers.)
(c) (i) Yes. (1A)
It increases the contact area between
the block and the water, which helps
distribute energy to the block evenly. (1A)

(ii) Any ONE of the following: (1A)

• Cover the beaker with a lid.
• Wrap the beaker with cotton wool.
(Accept other reasonable answers.)
15. (a) The volume of skin removed
V = (0.005)(0.005)(0.03)
= 7.5 × 10−7 cm3 (1A)
(b) The mass of skin removed
m = (7.5 × 10−7)(1.1) (1M)
= 8.25 × 10−7 g
= 8.25 × 10−10 kg (1A)
(c) The heat energy transferred to the skin
E = mc∆T
= (8.25 × 10−7)(2.1)(90) (1M)
≈ 1.56 × 10−4 J (1A)
16. (a) A ‘well insulated’ container can reduce heat loss
to the surroundings. (1A)
(b) (i) See the graph below.

Correct labels on axes with units: 1A

Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

Correct scale: 1A
Correct data points: 1A
A best-fit line: 1A
(ii) The slope of the graph
= = 24500 J kg−1 (1A)

So, the specific heat capacity of liquid X is

c= = (1M)

= 2450 J kg−1 °C−1 (1A)

(iii) The y-intercept of the line indicates the heat

absorbed by the apparatus.
It is 400 J. (1A)
(iv) Refer to the graph in (b)(i).
Same y-intercept as that in (b)(i): 1A
Straight line with slope smaller than (b)(i):
1A
17. (a) The mass of the heated water is
m = (1.5)(1000) = 1500 kg (1M)
The heat released from the system to the rooms is
E = mc∆T
= (1500)(4200)(80 − 60)(1 − 0.15) (1M)
= 107.1 MJ (1A)
(b) By E = Pt, the time for the radiator to maintain
this average power is

t= (1M)

= 23800 s ≈ 6.61 h (1A)

(c) The temperature of the heating system becomes

closer and closer to the room temperature. (1A)
So the rate of heat transfer decreases.
18. (a) Since water has a high specific heat capacity, a wet
roof has a higher heat capacity than a dry roof. (1A)
Therefore, a wet roof shows a smaller
temperature rise than a dry roof when it is heated
up during daytime. (1A)
(b) No. (1A)
The wet roof has a higher heat capacity. Its
temperature drops slower than dry regions at
night. (1A)
Therefore, we can still use the same method at
night. A hotter region indicates a potential water
leak in this case. (1A)

Shoot-the-stars Questions (p.85)

1. C
By Pt = mc∆t, the slope of the T–t graph = .

As P keeps decreasing, the slope of the T–t graph

becomes less steep over time. Since the rate of energy
loss is larger than zero, the T–t graph never becomes
horizontal.
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

2. (a) The energy gain for 1 m2 of the Earth’s surface is

E = (103)(60 × 60 × 5)
= 18 MJ (1A)
(b) (i) The volume of the air column above 1 m2 of
the Earth’s surface is
V = (10 × 103)(1) = 10000m3 (1A)
(ii) The heat capacity of the air column is
C = (1.15 × 10000)(1000) (1M)
= 11.5 MJ °C−1 (1A)
(c) By E = mc∆T, the temperature rise in the air is ∆T
= ≈ 1.57 °C (1A)