Help finding specific heat of metal in calorimeter

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the specific heat of a metal using a calorimeter setup. A piece of metal is heated and then placed in water within a calorimeter, leading to a temperature change that is to be analyzed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of heat transfer equations, questioning whether to use the mass of the calorimeter or the water in calculations. There is also uncertainty regarding the correct temperature change for the metal.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been offered regarding the equations to use, but participants are still clarifying components and the correct approach to the problem. Multiple interpretations of the equations and their variables are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating assumptions about the specific heat capacities involved and the setup of the calorimeter, as well as the definitions of temperature changes for the substances involved.

kriegera
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Homework Statement


A piece of metal of weight 50 grams is heated to a temperature of 100°C and then introduced into a calorimeter containing water at 14°C, the maximum temperature reached being 20°C. If the weight of the calorimeter is 5 grams, the specific heat of the metal of which it is made is 0.095 and the weight of the water it contains is 92 grams, calculate the specific heat of the given metal.


Homework Equations


ΔH=cmΔT
C=H/mΔT


The Attempt at a Solution



I thought I had this figured out but I'm stuck on two points: This is what I have:
Because the heat of the reaction is absorbed by the water, causing it to warm up, we will use the mass of the water vs. the mass of calorimeter. This is the substance where the reaction/energy/H is taking place.
ΔH=(4.189)(92)(20-14) = 2,312.328 J

Now we use this information to find the specific heat of the given metal:
C=H/mΔT = 2,312/(50)(100) = .46 J/g.K

But I'm confused on whether
A) Do I use the mass of the calorimeter mass or the mass of water for the first equation
B) What is the change in the temperature of the given metal? Do I stick with 100 b/c it doesn’t say or do I use 100-20C?
 
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A) The first equation should be
(Mc*cc + Mw*cw)(T1-T2)
B) You are right.
 
can you label equation A? i can't figure out the components.
 
(mass of the calorimeter* specific heat of the calorimeter + mass of the water*specific heat of the water)*Fall in the temperature.
 

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