Question

If we have equal masses of copper at 80oC and water at 20oC and we put them together, what is the final temperature?

Answer 1

Answer:

The final temperature will be close to 20°C

Explanation:

First of all, the resulting temperature of the mix can't be higher than the hot substance's (80°C) or lower than the cold one's (20°C). So options d) and e) are imposible.

Now, due to the high heat capacity of water (4,1813 J/mol*K) it can absorb a huge amount of heat without having a great increment in its temperature. On the other hand, copper have a small heat capacity (0,385 J/mol*K)in comparison.

In conclusion, the copper will release its heat decreasing importantly its temperature and the water will absorb that heat resulting in a small increment of temperature. So the final temperature will be close to 20°C

This analysis can be done because we have equal masses of both substances.