Final answer:
The student's Physics question pertains to reaching thermal equilibrium between an aluminum block and water, utilizing the conservation of energy principle and involving calculations of heat transfer based on mass, temperature change, and specific heat capacity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question revolves around a concept in thermal equilibrium in the subject of Physics, particularly within the field of thermodynamics. The process of achieving thermal equilibrium involves the transfer of heat energy from the warmer object (aluminum block) to the cooler one (water) until both reach the same temperature. This is described by the principle of conservation of energy where the heat lost by the aluminum will equal the heat gained by the water.
To solve the mathematical problem completely, we need to apply the formula for heat transfer Q = mcΔT, where m is mass, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature. The specific heat capacity for aluminum is typically 0.897 J/g°C, and for water, it is 4.186 J/g°C. Using the given mass and temperature change for the aluminum and water, we can set up an equation where the heat lost by the aluminum is equal to the heat gained by the water and solve for the final equilibrium temperature.
Calculations involving thermal equilibrium often require a sturdy understanding of heat transfer and specific heat capacity, along with algebraic manipulation to find the unknown variables such as the final temperature or the initial temperature of one of the substances involved.