Final answer:
The specific heat capacity of mercury is approximately 0.140 J/g °C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of the substance by 1 degree Celsius. To calculate the specific heat capacity of mercury in this case, we can use the formula:
Heat (Joules) = mass (g) * specific heat capacity (J/g °C) * change in temperature (°C)
Given:
Mass of mercury = 25.0 g
Change in temperature = 155 °C - 25 °C = 130 °C
Heat absorbed = 455 J
Plugging in these values into the formula, we can solve for the specific heat capacity:
455 J = 25.0 g * specific heat capacity * 130 °C
Specific heat capacity = 455 J / (25.0 g * 130 °C) ≈ 0.140 J/g °C
Therefore, the specific heat capacity of mercury in this case is approximately 0.140 J/g °C.