Question

An unknown metal with a mass of 28g absorbs 58J of heat. It’s temperature rises from 31.1 c to 39.9 c. Calculate the heat capacity of the metal

Answer 1

The formula for heat capacity is:

$Q =mC\Delta T$       -(1)

where Q is heat, m is mass, C is specific heat capacity and $\Delta T$ is change in temperature.

Mass of the metal = 28 g  (given)

Heat abosrbs = 58 J     (given)

Initial temperature = $31.1^{o}C$   (given)

Final temperature = $39.9^{o}C$    (given)

Substituting the values in formula (1):

$58 J = 28 g\times C\times (39.9-31.1)^{o}C$

$C = \frac{58 J}{246.4}/g^{o}C$

$C = 0.235 J/g^{o}C$

Hence, the heat capacity of the metal is $0.235 J/g^{o}C$.