Final answer:
The specific heat of the metal in the ring is calculated by dividing the heat absorbed by the product of the mass and the temperature change; thus, it is 0.268 cal/g°C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asked to calculate the specific heat of a metal based on the energy required to raise its temperature. To find the specific heat (c), we use the formula q = mcΔT, where q is the heat energy in calories, m is the mass in grams, ΔT is the change in temperature in degrees Celsius, and c is the specific heat capacity. Given data: the ring absorbed 255 cal of energy, its mass is 95 g, and the temperature increase is 10°C (from 20°C to 30°C).
To find the specific heat, rearrange the formula to c = q / (mΔT):
- Heat absorbed (q): 255 cal
- Mass (m): 95 g
- Temperature change (ΔT): 30°C - 20°C = 10°C
We calculate the specific heat as follows:
c = 255 cal / (95 g × 10°C) = 255 cal / 950 g°C = 0.268 cal/g°C
So, the specific heat of the metal in the ring is 0.268 cal/g°C.