Final answer:
The student's question involves using the principle of conservation of energy to calculate the final temperature of copper and water in thermal equilibrium after a heat transfer. The heat lost by the copper is set equal to the heat gained by the water, and the formula q = mcΔT is applied to both substances to solve for the final temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the calculation of the final temperature of a system involving a piece of copper and water when heat is transferred. To determine the final temperature when the copper is placed in water, the principle of conservation of energy is used, assuming perfect heat transfer. The heat lost by the copper will be equal to the heat gained by the water, and the formula q = mcΔT (where q is the heat transfer, m is the mass, c is the specific heat, and ΔT is the change in temperature) is applied for both the copper and the water. By setting the heat lost by the copper equal to the heat gained by the water and solving for the final temperature, we can find the result.
Example of Calculating Final Temperature
For the given problem:
Mass of copper (mcu) = 248 g
Initial temperature of copper (Ti, cu) = 314 °C
Mass of water (mH2O) = 390 mL (assuming density of 1 g/mL, thus mass = 390 g)
Initial temperature of water (Ti, H2O) = 22.6 °C
Both components will reach thermal equilibrium at the same final temperature. By applying the heat transfer equations for copper and water, and setting them equal, the final temperature can be calculated.