SubjectNest resource library

Year 11 / Physics / Term 1 / Weeks 01 02 / Interactive

Development draft · local review needed

Heat-budget lab · complete paper and tactile equivalentYear 11 Physics · T1 W1–2 · Text Route

Download editable text

The offline interactive changes one factor in the invented Q=mcΔT model. This page contains the same method, exact cases, prediction comparison and limits. No device, account, purchase, heat source or real material sample is needed.

Paper method: (1) Write the fictional mass m in kg, stipulated specific heat capacity c in J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ and positive temperature rise ΔT in K. (2) Predict Q in J before multiplying. (3) Calculate Q=m×c×ΔT; cancel kg and K to leave J. (4) Change exactly one of m, c or ΔT, keeping the other two fixed. Predict the new Q and calculate it. (5) Compare your prediction with the calculation by taking the absolute difference in J. (6) Say that the proportional change holds only in this single-phase, constant-c, no-loss model. A real heater or touch-safety result is not established.

Case Original calculation One-factor change New calculation Useful explanation
A 0.50 kg × 2,000 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ × 4 K = 4,000 J Double mass to 1.00 kg 1.00 × 2,000 × 4 = 8,000 J With c and ΔT fixed, Q doubles. A prediction of 8,000 J differs by 0 J.
B 0.50 kg × 1,000 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ × 6 K = 3,000 J Halve rise to 3 K 0.50 × 1,000 × 3 = 1,500 J With m and c fixed, Q halves. A prediction of 1,500 J differs by 0 J.

Tactile route: Put MASS, SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY and TEMPERATURE CHANGE cards in three labelled sleeves with units. Assemble a left-to-right multiplication chain ending in an ENERGY J card. Put a PREDICTION card aside before turning over any answer card. Replace one factor card only, and use a second ENERGY J card for the calculated output. A learner can direct a supporter to move pieces. Texture alone is insufficient: keep Braille, large-text or spoken labels.

Optional third paper case: Keep m=0.50 kg and ΔT=4 K while doubling the invented c from 2,000 to 4,000 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹: Q changes from 4,000 to 8,000 J. This is a stipulated mathematical what-if, not a real material claim.

Original resource rights: © NeuroForgeIO Pty Ltd 2026, SubjectNest, CC BY 4.0. Credit author, source, licence and changes. Inline interactive code is Apache-2.0.