How Do You Calculate the Mass of an Aluminum Cup in a Heat Transfer Problem?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the mass of an aluminum cup involved in a heat transfer problem. The scenario includes 217g of water at 21.2°C, a 404g silver sample at 80.8°C, and a 41.0g copper stirrer, all reaching a final equilibrium temperature of 25.7°C. The key equations utilized are Q=mCΔT and the principle of heat lost equals heat gained. Participants emphasize the importance of identifying which objects lose or gain heat to set up the problem correctly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of heat transfer principles
  • Familiarity with the specific heat capacity formula Q=mCΔT
  • Knowledge of thermal equilibrium concepts
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of specific heat capacities for aluminum, silver, and copper
  • Learn how to apply the heat transfer equations in multi-object systems
  • Explore examples of heat transfer problems involving phase changes
  • Investigate the impact of mass and temperature on thermal equilibrium
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students in physics or engineering courses, particularly those studying thermodynamics and heat transfer, as well as educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods in these subjects.

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Homework Statement


An aluminum cup contains 217g of water at 21.2oC. A 404g sample of silver at an initial temperature of 80.8oC is placed in the water. A 41.0g copper stirrer is used to stir the mixture until it reaches its final equilibrium temperature of 25.7oC. Calculate the mass of the aluminum cup.



Homework Equations


Q=mCdeltaT
heat lost=heat gained


The Attempt at a Solution


Could someone please help me set the problem up w/o numbers. Thanks.
 
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You have the right equations to work with, maybe listing a few facts will help get you going:

Every object will end up at the final temperature of 25.7C.

Each object either loses heat, or gains heat. That tells you on which side of the heat lost=heat gained equation each object belongs.

Presumably the copper stirrer also starts out at 21.2C.
 

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