Final answer:
The specific heat of copper is calculated using the heat absorbed and the temperatures before and after absorption. The specific heat of copper is found to be 0.390 J/g°C after using the specific heat formula.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the specific heat of copper based on the given parameters, we can use the formula q = mcΔT, where q is the amount of heat absorbed, m is the mass, c is the specific heat, and ΔT is the temperature change.
We have q = 204 J, m = 150 g, ΔT = (27.09 °C - 23.61 °C) = 3.48 °C. Substituting the values we get:
204 J = 150 g × c × 3.48 °C
To find the specific heat (c), we rearrange the formula:
c = 204 J / (150 g × 3.48 °C)
c = 204 J / 522 g°C
c = 0.390 J/g°C
The specific heat of copper is therefore 0.390 J/g°C.