Final answer:
The mass of the iron sample can be calculated using the specific heat capacity equation by dividing the amount of heat applied by the product of the specific heat capacity of iron and the temperature change; the mass is found to be approximately 261 J / (0.449 J/g°C x 23.8°C).
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the mass of the iron sample using the amount of heat applied and the temperature change, you can use the specific heat capacity equation q = mcΔT, where 'q' is the amount of heat energy in joules, 'm' is the mass in grams, 'c' is the specific heat capacity (0.449 J/g°C for iron), and ΔT is the temperature change in degrees Celsius.
Given that the temperature change ΔT is 23.8°C and the amount of heat applied 'q' is 261 J, we can rearrange the equation to solve for the mass 'm' as follows:
m = q / (cΔT)
m = 261 J / (0.449 J/g°C × 23.8°C)
By calculating this, we find that the mass of the iron sample is approximately: