Specific Latent Heat of Ice (SBA #8)

Note: When doing labs, it helps to review the topic before doing the questions.

For this lab, you are required to find the specific latent heat of ice using the method of mixtures. Therefore, you need all of the following information:

• The mass of ice used m_i
• The mass of water used m_w
• Initial temperature of water (temperature after heating up the water) θ₁ 
• Final temperature of water (temperature after ice was completely melted) θ₂
• Specific heat capacity of water (4200 J kg^-1 K^-1)

In this experiment, it is assumed that the total energy lost by the heated water was transferred to, or gained by the ice. This implies that:

Total energy lost by water = Total energy gained by ice

Energy needed to change the temperature of a substance is found by the following formula:

The ice gained energy from the water and was changed to a liquid. This change from ice to water is called a change of state. Therefore the energy needed for a change of state from ice to liquid is found by the following equation:

Since the energy lost by the water is equal to the energy gained by the ice then

In words:

the mass of water X specific heat capacity of water X temperature change = mass of ice X latent heat of ice

You can then rearrange the formula to find the specific latent heat of fusion of ice. Hope this helps you.

Good luck!!! :)