Heat capacity and temperature problem

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between power, temperature, and heat capacity in a piece of metal. The correct equation for power is P=dQ/dt, and the correct equation for heat capacity is C=dQ/dT. By relating these equations and considering the rate of change, it is determined that the heat capacity as a function of temperature is C=k.
  • #1
Krushnaraj Pandya
Gold Member
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Homework Statement


A piece of metal is heated by supplying a constant power P. The temperature of the metal starts varying as T=kt. The heat capacity of the metal as a function of temperature is?

Homework Equations


Q=CdT

The Attempt at a Solution


From Q=CdT, dT is k, since P is Q/t, I plugged this into the equation but the answer is way off. Can someone explain what I'm missing?
 
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  • #2
Consider how you've defined power: P = Q/t. Is that correct? Generally we think of power as the rate of energy delivered or consumed per unit time.
 
  • #3
You are missing what you missed in your other post. Power is rate of change and involves a derivative not a ratio. Here, ##P=dQ/dt##. You need to consider that ##C=dQ/dT## and relate that to ##P= dQ/dt##.
 
  • #4
kuruman said:
You are missing what you missed in your other post. Power is rate of change and involves a derivative not a ratio. Here, ##P=dQ/dt##. You need to consider that ##C=dQ/dT## and relate that to ##P= dQ/dt##.
oh ok, so P=dQ/dt and dQ=CdT, therefore Pdt=CdT, P=CdT/dt therefore P=Ck, is this correct?
 
  • #5
That looks correct.
 
  • #6
kuruman said:
That looks correct.
I got it, thank you very much :D
 

What is heat capacity?

Heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1 degree Celsius. It is a measure of the ability of a substance to store thermal energy.

What is the relationship between heat capacity and temperature?

The heat capacity of a substance is directly proportional to its temperature. This means that as the temperature increases, the heat capacity also increases. This relationship is described by the equation Q = mCΔT, where Q is the amount of heat energy transferred, m is the mass of the substance, C is the heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature.

What factors affect the heat capacity of a substance?

The heat capacity of a substance is affected by its mass, the material it is made of, and its phase (solid, liquid, or gas). Different substances have different heat capacities, with liquids and gases generally having higher heat capacities than solids. The heat capacity also varies with temperature, as some substances may undergo phase changes at certain temperatures which can significantly affect their heat capacity.

How is heat capacity measured?

The heat capacity of a substance can be measured by heating a known mass of the substance and measuring the change in temperature. This can be done using a calorimeter, which is a device that measures the amount of heat energy transferred during a chemical or physical process.

Why is heat capacity important in scientific research?

Heat capacity is important in scientific research because it helps us understand how different materials respond to changes in temperature. It is used in a wide range of fields, including thermodynamics, chemistry, and materials science. Knowing the heat capacity of a substance allows us to predict how it will behave in different thermal environments, and can also help us design more efficient heating and cooling systems.

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