Question

When a 120 g sample of aluminum absorbs 9612 of heat energy, its temperature increases from 25°C to 115°C. Find the specific heat of aluminum

Answer 1

Answer:

0.89 J/g°C

Explanation:

Concept tested: Quantity of heat

We are given;

• Mass of the aluminium sample is 120 g
• Quantity of heat absorbed by aluminium sample is 9612 g
• Change in temperature, ΔT = 115°C - 25°C

                                                      = 90°C

We are required to calculate the specific heat capacity;

• We need to know that the quantity of heat absorbed is calculated by the product of mass, specific heat capacity and change in temperature.

That is;

Q = m × c × ΔT

• Therefore, rearranging the formula we can calculate the specific heat capacity of Aluminium.

Specific heat capacity, c = Q ÷ mΔT

                                         = 9612 J ÷ (120 g × 90°C)

                                         = 0.89 J/g°C

Therefore, the specific heat capacity of Aluminium is  0.89 J/g°C