Final answer:
To find the mass of the aluminum sample, use the formula Q = mcΔT and rearrange it to solve for mass. Plug in the given values to find the mass of the aluminum sample.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the mass of the aluminum sample, we can use the formula for heat transfer: Q = mcΔT, where Q is the amount of heat transferred, m is the mass of the sample, c is the specific heat capacity of aluminum, and ΔT is the change in temperature.
First, calculate the change in temperature: ΔT = final temperature - initial temperature.
Then, rearrange the formula to solve for mass: m = Q / (c * ΔT).
Plug in the values given in the problem: Q = 3750 J, c = 0.900 J/g°C, initial temperature = 20.8°C, and final temperature = 38.7°C.
Calculate the change in temperature and solve for mass:
ΔT = 38.7°C - 20.8°C = 17.9°C
m = 3750 J / (0.900 J/g°C * 17.9°C) = 231.59 g
The mass of the aluminum sample is approximately 231.59 grams.