Question

Determine the specific heat of a piece of

granite if a 450 gram sample of it loses
34,500 joules of heat as it’s temperature
drops by 97 C

Answer 1

The specific heat of granite is calculated using the formula Q = mcΔT, and by rearranging it to solve for the specific heat capacity, we find that it is approximately 0.79 J/g°C.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the specific heat of granite, we can use the formula:

Q = mcΔT

Where:

• Q is the heat energy in joules,
• m is the mass of the substance in grams,
• c is the specific heat capacity in J/g°C, and
• ΔT is the change in temperature in degrees Celsius.

Rearranging this formula to solve for c, we get:

c = Q / (mΔT)

Plugging in the provided values:

c = 34,500 J / (450 g × 97°C)

We get:

c = 34,500 J / (43,650 g°C)

c = 0.79 J/g°C

Therefore, the specific heat of granite is approximately 0.79 J/g°C.