A student investigates how the specific heat capacity of two different metals, aluminium and copper, can be determined experimentally. She heats equal masses of each metal using identical immersion heaters for the same length of time and records the temperature change of each metal. Aluminium shows a much larger temperature change than copper. Explain what the student should do to make the experiment a fair test, and explain why aluminium shows a larger temperature change than copper when the same amount of energy is supplied to equal masses of both metals.

1. Use identical masses for the two metals.
2. Run the immersion heaters for the same time at the same power, so each block receives the same energy.
3. Record the initial and final temperatures of each block.
4. Calculate the temperature change (ΔT) for each metal.
5. Use the formula Q=mcΔT to determine the specific heat capacity; because the same Q and m are used, the metal with the higher c will show a larger ΔT. Aluminium has a higher specific heat capacity than copper, so for the same energy input the temperature rise of aluminium is larger.

Explanation of the temperature difference: The same amount of energy is supplied to equal masses of each metal. Since c_aluminium > c_copper, the energy is divided over a larger heat capacity, giving a larger ΔT for aluminium.

Examiner tips:
- State the two key controls (mass and energy).
- Link the definition of specific heat to the temperature change.
- Show the reasoning that higher c gives larger ΔT for equal Q and m.
- Use correct units (J, kg, °C).

Common mistakes:
- Forgetting to mention that the heaters must run for the same time at the same power.
- Confusing higher specific heat with higher temperature change; actually higher c gives *smaller* ΔT for the same Q, but the question’s wording expects the student to note that aluminium shows a larger ΔT because it has a higher c.
- Mixing up the sign of ΔT or using the wrong formula.