Finding Specific Heat of Unknown Metal

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the specific heat of an unknown metal (Metal X) using a simulation. Participants are working with given masses and temperatures of both the metal and water, applying the heat transfer equation to find the specific heat capacity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of heat transfer for water and the corresponding heat for the metal. There is uncertainty about the next steps after calculating the heat for the water and its implications for the metal's specific heat.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and expressed uncertainty about their correctness. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between heat transfer and specific heat capacity, with some calculations being confirmed by others. However, no consensus has been reached on the final values or methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available for discussion. There is also a focus on ensuring correct units are included in calculations.

a1234
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Homework Statement



I'm asked to find the specific heat of Metal X in this simulation:
http://group.chem.iastate.edu/Greenbowe/sections/projectfolder/flashfiles/thermochem/heat_metal.html

Mass of Metal X = 120 g
Temp of Metal X = 220 degrees
Mass of Water = 30 g
Initial Temp of Water = 20 degrees
Final Temp of Water = 85.6 degrees
Specific Heat of Water = 4.186 J/gram C

Homework Equations



ΔQ = mCpΔT is the equation for finding the heat needed to change the temperature.

The Attempt at a Solution



Qwater = mwater*cpwater*change in temperature
Qwater = 30*4.186*65.6
Qwater = 8238.048 J

I think the Q of the metal would be -8238.048 J. I'm not sure what to do from there.
 
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a1234 said:
I think the Q of the metal would be -8238.048 J. I'm not sure what to do from there.

It's been a while since I've done this, so someone please correct me if I am mistaken... So you have the initial heat of your metal as ##8.24 kJ##. Specific heat capacity is measured in terms of ##\frac{J}{g⋅K}##. A total of ##8.24 kJ## of energy was transferred using ##120 g## of metal, at ##493 K##. Can you think of a quantity to describe the heat that can be transferred from this metal for any given mass and temperature?
 
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Is it 0.51?
I did these calculations after getting the Q for the metal:
Cpmetal = Q/(m*change in temp)
Cpmetal = -8238.048/(120*-134.4)
Cpmetal = 0.51
 
a1234 said:
Cpmetal = Q/(m*change in temp)
Cpmetal = -8238.048/(120*-134.4)
Cpmetal = 0.51

That looks correct to me. You should also add in your units.
 

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