What is the specific heat of the metal in this specific heat problem?

In summary, a 12.0 g sample of a metal is heated to 90.0 °C and then dropped into 25.0 g of water. The temperature of the water rises from 22.5 to 25.0 °C. Using the equation qrxn=-qwater and the fact that the metal and water reach thermal equilibrium at 25.0 °C, the specific heat of the metal can be calculated to be 12 Jg-1°C-1.
  • #1
lc99
161
3

Homework Statement



A 12.0 g sample of a metal is heated to 90.0 °C. It is then dropped into 25.0 g of water. The temperature of the water rises from 22.5 to 25.0 °C. The specific heat of water is 4.18 Jg-1°C-1.
Calculate the specific heat of the metal. Express your answer in Jg-1°C-1

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Why is the change in temperature for the metal 90 - 25? Why is 25 degrees celsius the initial temp?[/B]
 
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  • #2
Is that an attempt at solution ?
Who says the initial temp is 25 C ?
 
  • #3
BvU said:
Is that an attempt at solution ?
Who says the initial temp is 25 C ?
The solution goes like this.qrxn=-qwater
mcdeltat= -mcdeltat
12C(90-25)=-25(25-22.5)(4.184) and solve for C
 
  • #4
lc99 said:
Why is the change in temperature for the metal 90 - 25? Why is 25 degrees celsius the initial temp?
If the temperature of the water raises up to 25.0 °C and not more, it means that it is the point where there is thermal equilibrium. The metal must be at the same temperature.
 

What is specific heat?

Specific heat, also known as specific heat capacity, is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1 degree Celsius. It is a physical property that is unique to each substance and is measured in joules per gram per degree Celsius (J/g°C).

How is specific heat calculated?

The formula for specific heat is Q = mcΔT, where Q is the heat energy, m is the mass of the substance, c is the specific heat, and ΔT is the change in temperature. This formula can be rearranged to find any of the variables if the others are known.

What factors affect specific heat?

The specific heat of a substance is affected by its molecular structure, density, and phase (solid, liquid, or gas). It also varies with temperature and pressure. Additionally, the presence of impurities can change the specific heat of a substance.

Why is specific heat important?

Specific heat is important because it helps us understand and predict how materials will respond to changes in temperature. It is also crucial in various fields such as thermodynamics, engineering, and chemistry, as it plays a role in determining the energy required for various processes.

What are some real-life applications of specific heat?

The concept of specific heat is applied in many real-life situations, such as cooking, heating and cooling systems, and weather forecasting. It is also used in industries that involve heating or cooling of substances, such as metallurgy and food processing. Additionally, specific heat is important in the design and optimization of thermal insulation materials.

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