Question

75 calories of heat energy is absorbed by a 4,200 gram pure mineral rock. If the rock increases 0.01°C in temperature, then what is the specific heat of the mineral in rock?

Answer 1

The student can find the specific heat capacity of the mineral in the rock by applying the formula q = mcΔT, substituting the given values, and converting calories to joules.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the specific heat of the mineral in the rock, we can use the formula q = mcΔT, where q is the heat energy absorbed, m is the mass, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the temperature change. In this case, the specific heat c can be calculated by rearranging the formula to c = q / (mΔT).

Given that q = 75 calories (which is equivalent to 75 * 4.184 joules since there are 4.184 joules in a calorie), m = 4,200 grams (or 4.2 kg when converted to kilograms because there are 1,000 grams in a kilogram), and ΔT = 0.01°C, plugging the values into the formula gives us:

c = (75 calories * 4.184 joules/calorie) / (4.2 kg * 0.01°C)

This calculation provides the specific heat of the mineral in the rock. Following the calculation with the provided conversion and values, you can determine the specific heat of the rock.