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

[lc99]

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]

 

[BvU]

Is that an attempt at solution ?
Who says the initial temp is 25 C ?

 

[lc99]

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

 

[DrClaude]

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.