Thermal physics; specific heat capacity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a thermal physics problem involving the specific heat capacity of copper and water. The scenario describes an experiment where a lump of copper is heated and then placed in water, prompting questions about heat transfer and temperature changes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the source of heat that raises the water's temperature, identifying the copper as the heat source. They discuss the calculations related to heat transfer and temperature changes, questioning how to determine the initial temperature of the copper.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants engaging in calculations and clarifying concepts related to thermal equilibrium. Some guidance has been provided regarding the relationship between the heat lost by the copper and the heat gained by the water, but no consensus on the final temperature has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the assumptions of no heat loss during the transfer of copper to water and the specific heat capacities provided in the problem statement.

saccapella
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Homework Statement


In an experiment to measure the temperature of the flame of a Bunsen burner, a lump of copper of mass 0.12 kg is heated in the flame for several minutes. The copper is then transferred quickly to a beaker, of negligible heat capacity, containing 0.45 kg of water, and the temperature rise of the water measured.

a)Temperature of water rises from 15 to 35degrees. Calculate thermal energy gained by the water.
b)Calculate the temperature reached by the copper in the flame. Assume no heat is lost when copper is transferred.

Specific heat capacity of water = 4200jkg^-1K^-1
Specific heat capacity of copper = 390jkg^-1K^-1


Homework Equations



Q=mc(final temperature - initial temperature)

The Attempt at a Solution



a)Q=0.45*4200*20
Q=3.78*10^4J

b)none... this is where i got stuck :/ help please!
 
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The heat that ended up raising the water's temperature came from somewhere. Where did it come from?
 
gneill said:
The heat that ended up raising the water's temperature came from somewhere. Where did it come from?

The copper?
 
saccapella said:
The copper?

Yes, the copper. How much heat did it give up to the water? What is the copper's final temperature?
 
gneill said:
Yes, the copper. How much heat did it give up to the water? What is the copper's final temperature?

3.78*10^4J...

3.78*10^4J=0.12*390*change in temperature

so change in temperature = 808?

This is where I get stuck on...I don't know how to find the final temperature
 
What is the final temperature of the copper as it sits in the water bath?
 
gneill said:
What is the final temperature of the copper as it sits in the water bath?

35 degrees

Edit: Misread what you said lol, final temperature of the copper as it sits in the water bath? 843?
 
Right. The copper and water reach temperature equilibrium. So Tf = 35, and you're looking for Ti for the copper. If Q is your heat value, mc the copper mass and cc the copper specific heat capacity, then

Q = mc*cc*ΔT

where ΔT is the difference between the initial and final temperatures (I've assumed all positive values for simplicity).
 
saccapella said:
35 degrees

Edit: Misread what you said lol, final temperature of the copper as it sits in the water bath? 843?

No, no, you were correct the first time (before edit). The water and copper reach an equilibrium temperature of 35 degrees. 843 degrees, then, is the initial temperature of the copper when it is first placed into the water.
 
  • #10
Ohh, I see what you did. Thanks!
 
  • #11
gold penny lab, i remmber doing this it was fun. sorry we didint have these questions, maybe you should search for gold penny lab.
 

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