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What is the formula to solve for mass in specific heat capacity?

User Jirong Hu
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Final answer:

The formula to solve for mass in specific heat capacity is Q = mcΔT, which relates the heat energy transferred, mass, specific heat capacity, and change in temperature. By rearranging the formula, you can solve for mass when the heat energy, specific heat capacity, and temperature change are known.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formula to solve for mass in specific heat capacity is: Q = mcΔT, where Q is the heat energy transferred, m is the mass of the substance, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature.

For example, let's say you have 500 grams of water (m = 500 g), and you want to heat it from 20°C to 50°C (ΔT = 50°C - 20°C = 30°C). The specific heat capacity of water is approximately 4.186 J/g°C. Plugging in the values, the formula becomes Q = (500 g)(4.186 J/g°C)(30°C) = 6279 J.

By rearranging the formula, you can also solve for mass: m = Q / (cΔT). This formula allows you to find the mass when the heat energy, specific heat capacity, and temperature change are known.

User Wiifm
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Quantity of Heat = Mass x Heat Capacity x Temperature Change
This may be shortened to:
q = mcΔT
where:
q = Quantity of heat in Joules (J) m = Mass of the substance in grams (g) c = Specific Heat Capacity (Jg-1) ΔT = Change in Temperature (Δ = This symbol is "delta", which is Greek for "change")
User YacSrk
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