Big Al and Little Al
Description: Weighing approximately 800 grams, a piece of aluminum is placed in warm water, and a second piece of aluminum, weighing approximately 100 grams, is placed in boiling water. The temperatures are allowed to equilibrate. The metals are placed in equal volumes of room temperature water, and the temperature rise of each is noted. Due to its mass, the aluminum piece that weighs 800 grams raises the temperature more than the second piece aluminum raises the temperature, although the second piece was hotter.
Source: Julie Frasier
Year: N/A Vol. N/A Page: N/A
Keywords: Aluminum, Temperature, Weight, Specific heat capacity
Rating: 
Hazard: Some
- Electric shock hazard
- Burn hazard
- Scald hazard
Effectiveness: Average
- Mild effects are seen by audience
- Results are not clearly observable without guidance
- Secondary observations
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Time to results is high
- Good reliability
Difficulty: Low
- Simple procedures
- Simple manipulations for most to perform
- Some intermediate steps to results
- Demo in which a display is used
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Thermal gloves required
- Use of water resistant surface
- Absorbent material on hand
- Use of tongs
- Use UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
Class: Thermochemistry, Heat Capacity, Extensive Properties
Division: General
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