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Physics Assignment One

The assignment requires students to form groups of five and complete two questions. The first question involves designing a lab proposal to measure the specific heat capacity of copper, detailing apparatus, procedures, calculations, errors, and safety considerations. The second question is an essay discussing the importance of the first law of thermodynamics in energy policy and engineering, its differences from the second law, and common misconceptions regarding heat loss, work done, and internal energy change.

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Christopher ng'oma
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52 views1 page

Physics Assignment One

The assignment requires students to form groups of five and complete two questions. The first question involves designing a lab proposal to measure the specific heat capacity of copper, detailing apparatus, procedures, calculations, errors, and safety considerations. The second question is an essay discussing the importance of the first law of thermodynamics in energy policy and engineering, its differences from the second law, and common misconceptions regarding heat loss, work done, and internal energy change.

Uploaded by

Christopher ng'oma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

PBS-PHY-121 ASSIGNMENT ONE

DUE DATE: 5TH AUGUST 2025

5 MEMBERS PER GROUP

QUESTION ONE (25 MARKS)

Design a lab proposal to measure the specific heat capacity of copper using a
drop-calorimeter. Address:

 Apparatus and procedure.


 Estimation of all masses, initial/final temperatures, heat losses.
 Calculation formulas and sample calculation.
 Sources of systematic and random errors, with uncertainty propagation.
 Safety and practical considerations

QUESTION TWO (15 MARKS)

Write a short essay (350–500 words) discussing:

 Why the first law is important in energy policy and engineering (e.g., heat
engines, power plants, refrigerators).
 How it differs fundamentally from the second law.
 At least one example where students often misconstrue “heat loss” vs “work
done” vs “internal energy change.

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