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Graphite has a specific heat of .709 J/(gxC). if a 25 gram piece of graphite is cooled from 35 C to 18 C, how much energy was lost by the graphite

User Adetoun
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Final answer:

A 25 gram piece of graphite cooled from 35°C to 18°C loses 301.825 Joules of energy. This calculation is done using the specific heat capacity formula, considering the mass of the graphite, its specific heat, and the change in temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the energy lost by a 25 gram piece of graphite when it is cooled from 35°C to 18°C, we use the specific heat capacity formula which is:

q = m × c × ΔT

Where:

  • q is the heat energy lost or gained, in Joules (J)
  • m is the mass of the substance, in grams (g)
  • c is the specific heat capacity of the substance, in J/(g°C)
  • ΔT is the change in temperature, in degrees Celsius (°C)

Given that the specific heat (c) of graphite is 0.709 J/(g°C), the mass (m) is 25 g, and the temperature change (ΔT) is 18°C - 35°C (which is a decrease, so it will be a negative value), we can compute the heat energy lost as follows:

q = 25 g × 0.709 J/(g°C) × (18°C - 35°C)

q = 25 g × 0.709 J/(g°C) × (-17°C)

q = -301.825 J

Since the energy is lost, the value for q is negative, indicating an exothermic process. Therefore, the graphite has lost 301.825 Joules of energy.

User Efel
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