Question

An 80.0g sample of an unknown metal is at an initial temperature of 55.5oC. Afer 540 J of energy is absorbed by the metal, the temperature of the metal increasese to 81.75oC. What is the specific heat of the unknown metal (assume no phase change occurs)? Include units in your answer. Show work if possible.

Answer 1

Answer:

Specific heat of metal = 0.26 j/g.°C

Explanation:

Given data:

Mass of sample = 80.0 g

Initial temperature = 55.5 °C

Final temperature = 81.75 °C

Amount of heat absorbed = 540 j

Specific heat of metal = ?

Solution:

Specific heat capacity:

It is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of substance by one degree.

Formula:

Q = m.c. ΔT

Q = amount of heat absorbed or released

m = mass of given substance

c = specific heat capacity of substance

ΔT = change in temperature

ΔT =  81.75 °C - 55.5 °C

ΔT =  26.25 °C

540 j = 80 g × c × 26.25 °C

540 j = 2100 g.°C× c

540 j / 2100 g.°C = c

c = 0.26 j/g.°C