Question

What is the final temperature of the water when thermal equilibrium is reached after heating a silver cube with an edge length of 2.42 cm and a gold cube with an edge length of 2.81 cm, both heated to 88.8 ∘C, and placed in 110.5 mL of water at 19.9 ∘C?

Options:
A) 20.1 ∘C
B) 21.3 ∘C
C) 22.7 ∘C
D) 23.9 ∘C

Answer 1

To determine the final temperature, use the principle of heat exchange to calculate the heat lost by the cubes and gained by the water. Set up an equation and solve for the final temperature of the water.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the final temperature, we can use the principle of heat exchange, which states that the heat lost by one object equals the heat gained by another object in thermal equilibrium. We will assume no heat is transferred to the surroundings. First, calculate the heat lost by the silver cube and the gold cube using the formula Q = mcΔT, where m is the mass, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature.

Next, calculate the heat gained by the water using the same formula. Since the heat lost by the cubes is equal to the heat gained by the water, set up an equation and solve for the final temperature of the water.

In this case, the final temperature of the water is 23.9 °C. Therefore, the correct option is D) 23.9 °C.