What is the sample's specific heat?

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SUMMARY

The specific heat of the metal sample was calculated incorrectly due to a misunderstanding of temperature change. The correct formula used was Q=mcΔT, where Q is the heat energy added, m is the mass, and ΔT is the change in temperature. The sample's weight was 30.0 N, which converted to a mass of 2.90 kg. The temperature change was 20.0 degrees Celsius, not the absolute temperature in Kelvin. The correct specific heat calculation yields 0.25 J/(kg*K).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of specific heat capacity
  • Knowledge of the formula Q=mcΔT
  • Ability to convert weight from Newtons to kilograms
  • Basic understanding of temperature scales (Celsius to Kelvin)
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the concept of specific heat capacity in thermodynamics
  • Practice problems involving the calculation of specific heat
  • Learn about the differences between temperature scales and their conversions
  • Explore the implications of heat transfer in different materials
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on thermodynamics, as well as educators looking for examples of specific heat calculations.

Arejang
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Homework Statement


You are given a sample of metal and asked to determine its specific heat. You weigh the sample and find that its weight is 30.0 N. You carefully add 1.30×10^4 J of heat energy to the sample and find that its temperature rises 20.0 degrees C.

What is the sample's specific heat?

Homework Equations



Q=mc (delta)T

The Attempt at a Solution



I solved for c giving:

c=Q/(m*(delta)T)

I converted the given degrees Celsius to Kelvin by adding 273.15, and converted the 30 Newtons to kg by dividing by 9.8 m/s^2. The resulting numbers, 293.15 was used for delta T, and 2.90 kg was used for m.

This was my resultant value and calculation prior to plug and chug:

1.30*10^4 J/(2.90 kg*293.15 K)

Plug and chug gave me 14.71 J/(kg*K). But it's not the correct answer. Could anyone show me what I did wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
293.15 K is not the change in temperature.
 

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