Final answer:
The mass of the water sample is approximately 35 grams. This is determined by using the specific heat capacity formula, plugging in the given heat absorbed and temperature change, and calculating for mass.
Step-by-step explanation:
To deterimine the mass of the water sample after the temperature dropped by 24.8 degrees Celsius upon absorbing 879 joules of heat, we can use the formula for specific heat capacity: q = mcΔT, where q is the heat absorbed, m is the mass of the substance, and ΔT is the change in temperature. The specific heat capacity for water is typically 4.184 J/(g°C).
Plugging our values into the equation we get:
879 J = m × 4.184 J/(g°C) × 24.8°C
Solving for m (mass), we find:
m = 879 J / (4.184 J/(g°C) × 24.8°C)
m = 35 g (approximately)
Therefore, the mass of the water sample is 35 grams, which corresponds to option B.