Final answer:
The water absorbed 8,673.75 calories of heat when a hot metal block was placed in it, calculated using the mass of water, specific heat capacity of water, and temperature change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The water absorbed 8,673.75 calories of heat when the block of hot metal was placed into it.
The calorimetry calculation can be done as follows: the mass of the water (m) is 157.5 g, the specific heat capacity of water (c) is 1 cal/g°C, and the change in temperature (ΔT) is 34.6°C - 21.7°C = 12.9°C. Using the formula q = mcΔT, where q is the heat absorbed, we calculate: q = 157.5 g × 1 cal/g°C × 12.9°C = 8,673.75 calories.
This type of problem involves concepts of thermodynamics and the transfer of heat energy in chemical reactions, showcasing the practical application of calorimetry within a laboratory setting.