Calorimeter and heat, units question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the formula for calculating the specific heat of a metal using a calorimeter, represented as c=\frac{(m+M_e)(T_f'-T'_i)}{m(T_c-T_f)}. The user expresses confusion regarding the units of specific heat, asserting that it should be expressed in \frac{cal}{g \cdot K}, despite initially concluding that the formula yields no units. Clarification is sought on how to properly represent the units in the context of the calorimeter's mass equivalence, specifically referencing M_e as the mass of water equivalent to the calorimeter.

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  • Understanding of specific heat capacity and its significance in thermodynamics.
  • Familiarity with calorimetry and the principles of heat transfer.
  • Basic knowledge of unit conversion in physics, particularly in thermal units.
  • Ability to manipulate and analyze algebraic formulas in a scientific context.
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  • Research the derivation of specific heat formulas in calorimetry.
  • Study unit conversion techniques for thermal properties, focusing on \frac{cal}{g \cdot K}.
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Students in physics or chemistry courses, particularly those working on lab reports involving calorimetry, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts of specific heat and thermal units.

fluidistic
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Homework Statement


I have a lab report due next week and I'm almost done with it. However I'm totally stuck on the last part where it is wrote in a description of the experience : c=\frac{(m+M_e)(T_f'-T'_i)}{m(T_c-T_f)} where c is the specific heat of a metal. If I work out the units in the formula, I end up with c has no units! It must have units of \frac{cal}{g \cdot K}}! But I don't know how to make this appear!
The only thing I imagine that can save me is that the c above is equivalent to one with units, but I don't know how to justify this. Clearly it makes no sense at all to me.
I'd be very grateful if you could help me. (I'd be so glad to finish the report as soon as possible so that I can study vector analysis...)
 
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I think you need a C of the calorimeter metal on the top.
 
mgb_phys said:
I think you need a C of the calorimeter metal on the top.

Sorry I don't understand what you mean.
This formula also appear in some websites, like http://www.sc.ehu.es/sbweb/fisica/estadistica/otros/calorimetro/calorimetro.htm (In Spanish. Where it says
El calor específico desconocido del será por tanto...
)
In my formula M_e is the mass of water to which the calorimeter is equivalent to.
 

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