Final Answer:
The specific heat capacity of ammonium nitrate is approximately 1.72 Joules per gram per degree Celsius (J/g°C).
Step-by-step explanation:
Ammonium nitrate's specific heat capacity is a measure of how much heat energy it requires to raise the temperature of one gram of ammonium nitrate by one degree Celsius. It is calculated using the formula:
Specific Heat Capacity
=
Heat Energy
Mass
×
Temperature Change
Specific Heat Capacity=
Mass×Temperature Change
Heat Energy
To determine this value experimentally, a known quantity of ammonium nitrate is subjected to a controlled amount of heat, and its resulting temperature change is measured. By applying the formula and rearranging it, the specific heat capacity of ammonium nitrate can be calculated.
The specific heat capacity is an intrinsic property of a substance and varies for different materials. For ammonium nitrate, its molecular structure and interactions between its constituent atoms influence its specific heat capacity. The polar nature of the molecule, composed of nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen, affects how it stores and releases thermal energy.
Understanding the specific heat capacity of substances like ammonium nitrate is crucial in various fields, including industrial processes, chemistry, and engineering. It helps in designing systems where heat transfer or temperature control is essential, aiding in optimizing processes and ensuring efficiency in various applications.
Therefore, The specific heat capacity of ammonium nitrate is approximately 1.72 Joules per gram per degree Celsius (J/g°C).