Question

Determine the specific heat of a material if a 35. Gram sample absorbed 96. Joules of energy as it was heated from 293 K to 313 K. Answer in two Sig figs and includes units.

Answer 1

The specific heat of a material is 0.137 J/g°C.

Explanation:

The specific heat formula relates the heat energy required to perform a certain reaction with the mass of the reactants, specific heat and the change in temperature during the reaction.

Q = mcΔT

Here m is the mass, Q is the heat energy required, ΔT is the change in temperature and c is the specific heat.

So, if we have to determine the specific heat of the object, then we have to determine the ratio of heat required to mass of the object with change in time, as shown below.

$c = \frac{Q}{m\ \times\ delta\ T}$

As mass of the object m is given as 35 g and the energy is said to be absorbed so Q = 96 J.

The temperature values given should be changed from kelvin to celsius first. So, initial temperature 293 K will become 293-273.15 = 19.85°C.

Similarly, the final temperature will be 313 - 273.15 = 39.85°C.

Then, ΔT = 39.85-19.85 = 20 °C

Then,

$c = \frac{96}{35 \times 20} =\frac{96}{700} = 0.137 J/g^{o}C$

So, the specific heat of a material is 0.137 J/g°C.