How to determine the specific heat of a given substance (calorimetry)

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on determining the specific heat of an unknown metal, presumed to be zinc, through a calorimetry experiment. The experiment involved heating 125 mL of water from 21°C to 70.5°C, then adding 15.684g of zinc, which resulted in a final temperature of 65.1°C. The relevant equation used is ΔQ = mCΔT, where ΔQ represents the change in heat, m is mass, C is specific heat, and ΔT is the change in temperature. The principle of heat transfer states that the heat gained by the zinc equals the heat lost by the water.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calorimetry principles
  • Familiarity with the specific heat capacity concept
  • Knowledge of the equation ΔQ = mCΔT
  • Basic skills in experimental data collection and analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the specific heat of zinc using the equation ΔQ = mCΔT
  • Research the specific heat capacities of common metals for comparison
  • Explore advanced calorimetry techniques for more accurate measurements
  • Learn about heat transfer principles in thermodynamics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students conducting calorimetry experiments, educators teaching thermodynamics, and anyone interested in understanding heat transfer and specific heat calculations.

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Homework Statement


So basically our teacher gave us a bunch of materials and told us to conduct an experiment including the notes on change of heat we took earlier in the week. This is what my group conducted.

We acquired 125 mL of water that started at 21 degrees celsius. We then heated the water an placed it in a styrofoam cup for three minutes where it cooled to a stable temp. of about 70.5 degrees celsius. The unknown metal (presumed zinc) weighed 15.684g. The zinc(?) was placed into the cup for another three minutes and the water was measured again to be 65.1 degrees celsius. The specific heat of zinc is 0.39 (at 25deg.C in J/g deg.C)

This is where I am stuck. I'm not sure how to apply this experiment to the below equation?


Homework Equations



\DeltaQ = mC\DeltaT

where
\DeltaQ = change in heat
m = mass in grams
C = specific heat
\DeltaT = change in temp.

The Attempt at a Solution



N/A
 
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At the end temperature of both zinc and water was identical.

Water lost heat - that's why its temperature went down. Qw=mwcwΔTw

Zinc gained heat - that's how its temperature went up. QZn=mZncZnΔTZn

Heat gained equals heat lost.
 

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