Finding specific heat of an object graphically

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the specific heat of an object using graphical data related to temperature changes over time for two samples in thermal equilibrium. The problem involves understanding the heat transfer between two samples with different masses and initial temperatures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between heat gained and lost by the samples, questioning the definitions and calculations of temperature changes and specific heat. There are attempts to clarify the correct temperature change to use in calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's reasoning and calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of temperature changes, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion regarding the temperature changes and the specific heat formula, as well as the need to clarify the heat transfer between the two samples.

armolinasf
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Homework Statement



Samples A and B are at different initial temperatures when they are placed in a thermally isolated container and allowed to come to thermal equilibrium. Figure a gives their temperatures T versus time t. Sample A has a mass of 5.2 kg; sample B has a mass of 1.6 kg. Figure b is a general plot about the material of sample B. It shows the temperature change T that the material undergoes when energy is transferred to it as heat Q. The change T is plotted versus the energy Q per unit mass of the material.




The Attempt at a Solution



The heat gained by object b must equal the total heat of object a. So Qb=Qa=Q/mb*mb, mb=mass of object b.

but Q=mcΔt ==> c=Q/mΔt would Δt then just be the total change from 100 to 60 degrees?

this would give me 25600/(5.2*60)=82.05 which is incorrect. Where Am I going wrong?

Thanks for the help
 

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armolinasf said:
The heat gained by object b must equal the total heat of object a.

I think it is better to replace the underlined by 'heat lost by'.
 
armolinasf said:
but Q=mcΔt ==> c=Q/mΔt would Δt then just be the total change from 100 to 60 degrees?

I think that you mean that [itex]\Delta[/itex]T is the change from 100 to 40, i.e. 60deg because we are considering A.
 
armolinasf said:
So Qb=Qa=Q/mb*mb, mb=mass of object b.

Can the poster explain what the above mean?
 

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