Hard molar specific heat question?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of heat required to raise the temperature of rock salt using the Debye model for molar specific heat at low temperatures. The specific heat is described as a function of temperature, complicating the application of the standard heat equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the equation Q=nCΔT, noting that the specific heat C varies with temperature. There is uncertainty about how to determine the appropriate temperature value to use in the equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have pointed out the need to integrate the specific heat function over the temperature range, indicating a productive direction in the discussion. However, there is still some confusion regarding the correct application of the temperature values in the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. The specific heat is noted to be a function of temperature, which adds complexity to the problem.

fantexihong
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Homework Statement


At very low temperatures, the molar specific heat of many substances varies as the cube of the absolute temperature: C=k*(T^3/To^3),
which is sometimes called Debye's law. For rock salt, To= 281K and k= 1940 J/mol*K

Determine the heat needed to raise 2.40 mol of salt from 30.0K to 50.0K .

Homework Equations


I don't know if this equation applies to solid . Q=nC*ΔT

The Attempt at a Solution


I know ΔT is 20, it seems to me that the only unknown for this question is T.
I tried to plug in 30 OR 50 into T, but I got the wrong answer.
 
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Q=nCΔT is OK, but to make things more difficult C is a function of temperature.
 
Borek said:
Q=nCΔT is OK, but to make things more difficult C is a function of temperature.

Could you tell me how to get the C value for this question? I know C=k*(T^3/To^3) from the problem, it also gives me k and To value, but I don't know what is T value.
 
T is given in the problem and is not constant - it changes from 30 to 50 K. You need to integrate.
 
Borek said:
T is given in the problem and is not constant - it changes from 30 to 50 K. You need to integrate.
It works!I just need to integrate that C function, thank you!
 
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