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42 votes
42 votes
Mercury has one of the lowest specific heats. This fact added to its liquid state at most atmospheric temperatures makes it effective for use in thermometers. If 257 J of energy are added to 540 g of mercury, the mercury's temperature will increase by 9 deg C. What is the specific heat of mercury?

User WrongAboutMostThings
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1 Answer

25 votes
25 votes

Answer:

0.053 J/gºC

Step-by-step explanation:

From the question given above, the following data were obtained:

Mass (M) = 540 g

Heat (Q) = 257 J

Temperature rise (ΔT) = 9 °C

Specific heat capacity (C) =?

The specific heat capacity of mercury can be obtained as illustrated below:

Q = MCΔT

257 = 540 × C × 9

257 = 4860 × C

Divide both side by 4860

C = 257 / 4860

C = 0.053 J/gºC

Therefore, the specific heat capacity of mercury of mercury is 0.053 J/gºC

User Cclogg
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