How do you solve a delta T analysis problem?

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Teemo
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Homework Statement


See Thumbnail.

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


I am absolutely floored as how to do this problem.
 
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  • Multiple-choice question with a graph of temperature T in °C against time in min from 0 to 20; the temperature stays near 24, rises sharply to about 34, then declines, with answer options 10, 12, 15 and 19 °C.
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What was the initial temperature? What was the final temperature?
 
The initial temperature is 24 degrees Celsius and the final temperature is 29 degrees Celsius. However, 5 degrees Celsius as a delta T is not an option given :/
 
Ah, I see where your problems steams from.

Final temperature is not the one measured after the system had time to cool down (actually if you wait long enough final temperature will be the same as the starting one). Final temperature is the one observed after the reaction ended (so it is the maximum temperature observed).

Sometimes things are slightly more complicated, as the systems cools down even before it completely heats up, then, to get the maximum temperature, you may have to extrapolate. But it doesn't look like it is the case here.

Line graph of temperature (°C) against time (min) showing a sharp rise from about 22 to 33 °C within the first 0.2 min, then a slow decline to about 32 °C by 4 min. A straight line extrapolates back to T_final near 33.5 °C, and ΔT is marked as the gap from T_initial near 22.5 °C.
 
Yes, this is exactly the explanation I found elsewhere! Thank you so much, Borek!