Calculating Specific Heat: 13g Sample Loses 25.8J

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SUMMARY

The specific heat of a 13-gram sample that cools from 56°C to 34.4°C while losing 25.8 Joules of heat can be calculated using the formula q = mcΔT. In this case, q is -25.8 J (negative due to heat loss), m is 13 g, and ΔT is 34.4°C - 56°C = -21.6°C. By rearranging the formula to solve for c, the specific heat is determined to be approximately 0.093 J/g·°C.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the specific heat formula q = mcΔT
  • Basic knowledge of temperature scales (Celsius)
  • Ability to perform unit conversions and basic arithmetic
  • Familiarity with the concept of heat transfer
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the specific heat formula
  • Explore heat transfer concepts in thermodynamics
  • Learn about different materials' specific heat capacities
  • Investigate calorimetry techniques for measuring heat transfer
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Students in physics or chemistry courses, educators teaching thermodynamics, and anyone interested in understanding heat transfer principles.

Jam22
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When 13 grams of a sample cools from 56◦C to 34.4◦C it loses 25.8 Joules of heat. What is the specific heat of the sample? Answer in units of J/g ·◦ C.

I know it seems simple, but I completely forgot how to do this. Please help.
 
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The specific heat formula is q = mc[itex]\Delta[/itex]T, where q is the amount of heat absorbed or released by an object, m is the object's mass, c is the object's specific heat, and [itex]\Delta[/itex]T is the change in temperature that the object experiences (in other words, the final temperature minus the initial temperature of the object).

Simply plug in your values and solve for c to get the specific heat. Just note that when you are given the magnitude of the heat of the object (such as in this problem), you must determine whether the heat you were given takes a positive or negative value in that equation, then plug in that value for q.
 

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