Question

How many calories are absorbed by a copper spoon with a mass of 200 grams as it changes from 28°C to 33°C?

Answer 1

Calories is a unit of energy, so we need to calculate the energy or heat absorbed or released by the system. We use the equation:

U = mCpΔT

where:

m = mass of material
Cp = specific heat capacity of material
ΔT = (Tf - Ti) = temperature change

First, you must look for the specific heat capacity of copper. You can use any chemistry or engineering book or website. According to Engineering Toolbox, the specific heat capacity of copper is 0.09 cal/(g-°C).

U = 200(0.09)(33-28) = 90 calories

Since the value is positive, energy is absorbed.