Objective: Increase internal energy by means of electrical work
This experiment investigates how the internal energy of copper and aluminium calorimeters can be increased by electrical work. As long as the aggregate state does not change and no chemical reactions occur, it is possible to determine the increase in internal energy from the rise in temperature to which it is proportional. In order to prevent heat being transferred from the calorimeters to their surroundings, the series of measurements should start at a temperature somewhat below the ambient temperature and finish at a temperature only slightly above that of the surroundings.