Question

A 350g sample of an unknown solid is heated continuously from 10°C to 75°C. Scientists determine that the energy change during that process is 4,860J. If the solid does not change phase during the heating process, what must its specific heat capacity be?

Answer 1

Solution:

q = m × C × ΔT

q = m × C × (T_f - T_i),

where:

q = amount of heat energy gained or lost by substance

m = mass of sample

C = specific heat capacity (J ^oC^-1 g^-1)

T_f = final temperature

T_i = initial temperature

 

Thus:

4860 J = (350 g) × C × (75 - 10)^oC

4860 J = C × 22750 ^oC g

C = 0.213 J ^oC^-1 g^-1

Answer: The specific heat capacity of an unknown solid is 0.213 J ^oC^-1 g^-1.