Question

Substance Specific Heat (1 kg-1 k-1)

Aluminum - 900
Copper - 390
Brass - 380
Silver - 230
Platinum - 130
Which sample of copper would demonstrate the GREATEST increase in temperature if 500 J of energy were added to the sample?

A) 0.5 kg.
B) 1.0 kg.
C) 1.5 kg.
D) 20 kg.

Answer 1

A 0.5 kg sample of copper will demonstrate the greatest increase in temperature when 500 J of energy is added because the change in temperature is inversely proportional to the mass of the substance, given the specific heat capacity is constant.option (a).

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which sample of copper would demonstrate the greatest increase in temperature when 500 J of energy is added, we can use the formula for heat transfer, which is Q = mcΔT, where Q is the heat added, m is the mass of the substance, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature.

Given that all samples are copper with a specific heat of 390 J/kg°C, adding the same amount of energy to samples of different masses will result in the smallest mass having the greatest increase in temperature, because Q and c are constant and ΔT is inversely proportional to m. Hence, a 0.5 kg sample of copper will have the greatest increase in temperature.