If 30.0 g absorbs 255 J of heat, how much does the temperature of the water change? Would the temperature be increasing or decreasing?

Question

asked Sep 7, 2020 30.0k views

1 Answer

Cambo · Answer 1 · 2020-09-12T14:42:53+0000

Change in temperature = 2.03°C, the temperature is increasing

To calculate the quantity of heat absorbed or released by a substance we multiply mass of the substance by it's specific heat capacity and the temperature change.
Therefore, Quantity of heat, Q = mass × specific heat × change in temperature

In this case;

Mass of water = 30.0 g

Quantity of heat absorbed = 255 J

Specific heat capacity of water = 4.186 J/g°C

Rearranging the formula, Δt = Q ÷ mc

Δt = 255 J ÷ (4.186 J/g°C×30.0 g )

= 2.03 °C

The temperature change is 2.03°C, the temperature is therefore increasing.