Investigating the specific latent heat of melting ice
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Explainer Video
Summary
Investigating the specific latent heat of melting ice
In a nutshell
By recording the temperature of ice melting, the specific latent heat of this process will be investigated. This is done by slowly heating the ice and recording the temperature, to plot a graph to analyse the energy supplied to the ice.
Equipment list
The following equipment list can be used to conduct the experiment to investigate specific latent heat.
Equipment | Use |
| Thermometer | To measure the temperature of the water and ice. |
| Digital balance | To measure the mass of the ice. |
| Stopwatch | To time the experiment. |
| Roughly of crushed ice | To investigate specific latent heat. |
| Beaker | To hold the ice. |
| Bunsen burner | To provide thermal energy to melt the ice. |
| Tripod and gauze | To provide the set-up for the Bunsen burner. |
Experimental variables
The independent variable is the variable you change. The dependent variable is the variable that changes depending on the other variables, and is the one you measure. The control variables are the variables that are kept constant.
| Independent Variable | |
| Dependent Variable | |
| Control Variables | |
Safety precautions
When performing experiments, it is very important to consider safety precautions. This is so that no one gets hurt or injured during the experiment.
Hazard | Risk | Safety Measure |
| Heater | Touching the Bunsen burner whilst it is on or just after it is switched off could result in burns. | Don't touch the heater whilst it is still hot. If burnt, run the burn under cold running water for five minutes. |
| Hot equipment | The equipment (Bunsen burner, beaker, etc) will remain hot for a while after it has been used. | Don't pack away immediately, wait until the equipment has cooled. |
| Gas | Gas could leak from the Bunsen burner connection which could be set alight resulting in a fire. | Make sure the connection to the gas tap is secure. Don't turn on the tap until needed for use. |
| Bunsen burner | The Bunsen burner uses a flame which could cause burns or set clothing on fire. | Only switch on once the Bunsen burner has been set up with the tripod and gauze. Tie hair back and stand up during the experiment. If burnt, run the burn under cold running water for five minutes. |
Method
These are the instructions to complete the experiment. Record all measurements taken as you work through the experiment in a table.
 |
|
| 1. | Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram. The beaker should be filled half-way with ice. |
| 2. | Switch on the Bunsen burner and slowly start to heat the ice. |
| 3. | Take regular measurements of the temperature of the ice using the thermometer. Tip: Take the measurements at eye-level to avoid parallax error! |
| 4. | Continue this until the substance has fully changed state. |
Analysis
This is how you will use the data recorded to form conclusions.
| 1. | Plot a graph of temperature (-axis) against time (-axis). |
| 2. | Compare the results of your graph with known theory. The temperature of the ice should not change whilst the ice is melting. |
Conclusion
 |
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The graph from the measured values of the experiment should look similar to this. It should show that the temperature of the ice during the transition between ice and water does not change. However, the temperatures when the ice isn't melting and when it has fully changed to water should change linearly.
Evaluation
Once you have completed your experiment, it is important to consider how it could be improved. You should come up with ways to improve the accuracy of your values. If you got a result that seems unreasonable, think about why this was.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What is an independent and dependent variable?
The independent variable is the variable you change. The dependent variable is the variable that changes depending on the other variables, and is the one you measure.
How does the temperature of ice change when it melts?
The temperature of the ice does not change whilst the ice is melting.