The experiment was using a calorimeter made from a styrafoam cup. we were testing pennies and a steel bolt. we tested the specific heat capacity of water and the metals by boiling water and testing the temperature before and after. answer all parts : )
had you started the experiment with water at a temperature cooler than room temperature, for example refrigerated water, how would this affect your results? explain your reasoning.
2. we ignored the heat absorbed by the calorimeter cup in our calculations. explain why was this permissible.
3. list and explain one specific experimental cause of the difference between the measured specific heat and the accepted value. how could you possibly improve the experiment to reduce this percent difference?
4. is the heat exchange between the metal and the water in the cup primarily through radiation, conduction, or convection? explain your answer.