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A 9.5kg outdoor copper sculpture heats up during the day from 20��C to 78��C. How much energy was absorbed? Note: Copper has a specific heat of 390 J/kg��C.

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Final answer:

To determine the energy absorbed by the copper sculpture, multiply the mass (9.5 kg) by the specific heat capacity (390 J/kg°C) and the temperature change (58°C), resulting in an energy absorption of 215,010 Joules.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the amount of energy absorbed by the copper sculpture as it heats up from 20°C to 78°C, you can use the specific heat formula: Q = mcΔT, where Q is the energy in joules, m is the mass in kilograms, c is the specific heat capacity in J/kg°C, and ΔT is the change in temperature in Celsius.

Given:

  • Mass (m) = 9.5 kg
  • Specific heat capacity of copper (c) = 390 J/kg°C
  • Initial temperature = 20°C
  • Final temperature = 78°C
  • Temperature change (ΔT) = 78°C - 20°C = 58°C

Now, substitute the given values into the formula:

Q = (9.5 kg)(390 J/kg°C)(58°C)

Energy absorbed (Q) = 9.5 kg * 390 J/kg°C * 58°C = 215,010 Joules

Therefore, the copper sculpture absorbed 215,010 Joules of energy.

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