Final answer:
To calculate the specific heat of a substance, use the equation specific heat = heat energy / (mass * change in temperature). Plug in the given values and calculate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific heat of a substance can be calculated using the equation:
specific heat = heat energy / (mass * change in temperature)
In this case, the mass of the substance is 1709 kg, the temperature change is from 27.9 degrees Celsius to 8 Kelvin, and the overall heat energy is 11.987 calories. Plugging these values into the equation, we get:
specific heat = 11.987 cal / (1709 kg * (27.9 - (-265.15) K))
Calculating this expression will give you the specific heat of the substance.