Final answer:
The amount of energy stored in 2500 kg of sandstone as it heats from 20.0°C to 34.5°C, assuming the specific heat of sandstone is 0.830 kJ/kg°C, is calculated to be 30187.5 kJ.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the amount of energy stored in the 2500 kg of sandstone as it is heated from 20.0°C to 34.5°C, we can use the formula for heat energy (Q) absorbed or released by a substance: Q = mcΔT, where m is the mass of the substance, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature.
Given:
The mass (m) of sandstone = 2500 kg
Specific heat capacity (c) of quartz (SiO₂), and hence sandstone = 0.830 kJ/kg°C
Initial temperature (T₁) = 20.0°C
Final temperature (T₂) = 34.5°C
Change in temperature (ΔT) = T₂ - T₁ = 34.5°C - 20.0°C = 14.5°C
We can substitute these values into the formula:
Q = 2500 kg × 0.830 kJ/kg°C × 14.5°C
Thus, the thermal energy stored in the sandstone can be calculated as:
Q = 2500 kg × 0.830 kJ/kg°C × 14.5°C = 30187.5 kJ
Therefore, 30187.5 kilojoules of energy are stored in the sandstone as a result of the temperature increase throughout the day.