Calculating Total Energy with Dimensional Analysis | Screenshot Included

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a homework problem involving the calculation of total energy using dimensional analysis, specifically with a heat capacity of 11.3 kJ/(C*g). The student is confused about the absence of grams in their teacher's solution, which states total energy as energy required per degree multiplied by the number of degrees. Other participants suggest that the teacher's notes may contain a mistake, as the heat capacity should not include grams if it is meant to be a general calorimeter constant. They recommend contacting the professor for clarification and note that the student's approach to the calculation appears correct. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding the distinction between heat capacity and specific heat capacity in this context.
JessicaHelena
Messages
188
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement


Please look at the screenshot.

Homework Equations



dimensional analysis

The Attempt at a Solution


Since the heat capacity is given as 11.3 kJ/(C*g), and energy is measured in Joules (or kJ), I thought to multiply 11.3 by the change in temp (7.3 C) and also 1.50 g of methane.

However, as you can see, what my teacher did is quite different (does not have the grams).

but he explicitly states that total energy = energy required per deg x no. of deg... where'd the grams go then?
Please help me out!
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2018-11-01 at 9.28.35 AM.png
    Screen Shot 2018-11-01 at 9.28.35 AM.png
    40.7 KB · Views: 427
Physics news on Phys.org
JessicaHelena said:

Homework Statement


Please look at the screenshot.

Homework Equations



dimensional analysis

The Attempt at a Solution


Since the heat capacity is given as 11.3 kJ/(C*g), and energy is measured in Joules (or kJ), I thought to multiply 11.3 by the change in temp (7.3 C) and also 1.50 g of methane.

However, as you can see, what my teacher did is quite different (does not have the grams).
but he explicitly states that total energy = energy required per deg x no. of deg... where'd the grams go then?
Please help me out!
You’re given the SH of the bomb calorimeter. Then it seems to switch to what’s called a calorimeter constant, which is just J/C. The question seems oddly worded and is perhaps just a mistake in the notes?

You might want to email your professor and ask for clarification or wait for another reply here from someone to see something I missed or am misunderstanding myself.
 
My bet is that is a mistake, 11.3 looks like it is intended to be a heat capacity, not a specific heat capacity (note you are not given calorimeter mass which makes the question impossible to solve).
 
I agree with the last two posters that to call it specific heat capacity is unfortunate, it is just a heat capacity (and should not contain g).
But as far as it goes the calculation appears to me correct.
Where have the grams gone? You just need to convert the kJ for that amount of octane in that particular experiment to something of more general value, the kJ per mole octane, or maybe for engineers kJ/Kg.
 
Last edited:
I don't get how to argue it. i can prove: evolution is the ability to adapt, whether it's progression or regression from some point of view, so if evolution is not constant then animal generations couldn`t stay alive for a big amount of time because when climate is changing this generations die. but they dont. so evolution is constant. but its not an argument, right? how to fing arguments when i only prove it.. analytically, i guess it called that (this is indirectly related to biology, im...
Back
Top