Final answer:
The correct mass of the water is calculated using the equation Q = mc∆T. With the given thermal energy of 12,552 J, the specific heat of water (c) being 4,184 J/kg°C, and temperature change (∆T) of 20°C, the calculated mass is 0.15 kg, which is not listed among the options given.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the mass of the water, the thermal energy (Q) equation Q = mc∆T can be used, where m is the mass of the water, c is the specific heat of water (4,184 J/kg°C), and ∆T is the change in temperature. Given the thermal energy increase of 12,552 J when heating the water from 20°C to 40°C, we have ∆T = 20°C. Plugging into the equation 12,552 J = m × 4,184 J/kg°C × 20°C, we find m = 12,552 J / (4,184 J/kg°C × 20°C) = 0.15 kg, which is none of the provided options, indicating a potential error in the question or the options.