How Do You Calculate the Specific Heat of a Metal in a Water Container?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the specific heat of a metal using a calorimetry problem involving a metal container and water. The metal container has a mass of 7.2 kg, and it holds 14.7 kg of water. A 2.1 kg piece of the same metal, initially at 200.0°C, is introduced into the system, which starts at 14.3°C and reaches a final temperature of 16.3°C. The specific heat of the metal can be determined using the equation Q = M*C*ΔT, applying the principle of conservation of energy where the heat lost by the metal equals the heat gained by the water and container.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calorimetry principles
  • Familiarity with the equation Q = M*C*ΔT
  • Knowledge of temperature change calculations
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of conservation of energy in thermodynamics
  • Learn how to apply the calorimetry equation in different scenarios
  • Explore examples of specific heat calculations for various materials
  • Investigate the effects of mass and temperature on heat transfer
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics or chemistry, educators teaching thermodynamics, and anyone interested in understanding heat transfer and specific heat calculations.

BuBbLeS01
Messages
602
Reaction score
0
Specific Heat...Please help!

Homework Statement


A metal container, which has a mass of 7.2 kg contains 14.7 kg of water. A 2.1-kg piece of the same metal, initially at a temperature of 200.0°C, is dropped into the water. The container and the water initially have a temperature of 14.3°C and the final temperature of the entire system is 16.3°C. Calculate the specific heat of the metal.


Homework Equations


Q = M*C*CHANGE IN TEMP.


The Attempt at a Solution


M = 2.1 KG
CHANGE IN TEMP = What initial temperature do I use??
Q = ? How do calculate this?
C = ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
use conservation of energy.

The mc*deltat 's of all the items involved add to 0.

what equation do you get?
 

Similar threads

What is the specific heat of the metal in this specific heat problem?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
I try to solve a thermodynamics problem on heat transfer
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Confusion about whether to use the specific heat of water or ice
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Calorimetry Lab Analysis (predict specific heat of unknown metal)
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
10K
Finding Specific Heat of Unknown Metal
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Specific Heat Problem, not getting the correct answer
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Do you need to account for the water heating up to the boiling point?
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
Change in temperature of air in a closed system
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Calculating Specific Heat Capacity
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Specific heat capacity coursework
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K