Heat and temperature
Why does the same amount of heat produce different temperature changes?
With heat loss ignored, heating at constant power makes the temperature rise at a steady rate. The greater the mass or the specific heat capacity, the more heat is needed for the same temperature rise. Heating stops automatically at 80°C, and you can replay from the start.
Temperature vs. heating time
Horizontal axis is physical time; demo clock sped up 20×; heating stops at 80°C.
Think about it
With power and mass unchanged, if the specific heat capacity is doubled, how does the rate of temperature rise change?
The rate of temperature rise is halved, because ΔT/Δt = P/(cm). The time needed for the same temperature rise becomes 2 times as long.
Model assumptionsNo heat loss, no phase change · starts at 20°C, stops at 80°C · demo clock sped up 20× (readings in physical time)
Data log
Set the parameters and click “Record data”. Record several rows with different parameters to plot their relationship and fit a straight line; pause and record at different times to study how a reading changes with time.