Question

A 100 g sample of each of the following metals is heated from 35°c to 45°c. which metal absorbs the lowest amount of heat energy?

a) metal specific heat copper 0.385 j/(g ∙ °c)
b) magnesium 1.02 j/(g ∙ °c)
c) mercury 0.138 j/(g ∙ °c)
d) silver 0.237 j/(g ∙ °c)
e) lead 0.129 j/(g ∙ °c)

Answer 1

When comparing metals with the same mass and temperature change, the one with the lowest specific heat capacity will absorb the least heat. Lead, with a specific heat capacity of 0.129 J/(g °C), will absorb the least amount of heat energy compared to copper, magnesium, mercury, and silver.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which metal absorbs the lowest amount of heat energy, we can use the formula for heat transfer: Q = mcΔT, where Q is the heat absorbed, m is the mass of the metal, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature. Given that the mass (m) is the same for all metals (100g) and the temperature change (ΔT) is the same (45°C - 35°C = 10°C), we can compare the specific heat capacities to find which metal will absorb the least amount of heat:

• Copper: 0.385 J/(g °C)
• Magnesium: 1.02 J/(g °C)
• Mercury: 0.138 J/(g °C)
• Silver: 0.237 J/(g °C)
• Lead: 0.129 J/(g °C)

Since lead has the lowest specific heat capacity, it will absorb the lowest amount of heat energy when heated from 35°C to 45°C.