Question

135g of an unknown substance gains 9133 J of heat as it is heated from 25⁰C to 100⁰C. Using the chart below, determine the identity of the unknown substance.

Answer 1

The unknown substance is Aluminum.

Step-by-step explanation:

We'll begin by calculating the change in the temperature of substance. This can be obtained as follow:

Initial temperature (T₁) = 25 ⁰C

Final temperature (T₂) = 100 ⁰C

Change in temperature (ΔT) =?

ΔT = T₂ – T₁

ΔT = 100 – 25

ΔT = 75 ⁰C

Finally, we shall determine the specific heat capacity of the substance. This can be obtained as follow:

Change in temperature (ΔT) = 75 ⁰C

Mass of the substance (M) = 135 g

Heat (Q) gained = 9133 J

Specific heat capacity (C) of substance =?

Q = MCΔT

9133 = 135 × C × 75

9133 = 10125 × C

Divide both side by 10125

C = 9133 / 10125

C = 0.902 J/gºC

Thus, the specific heat capacity of substance is 0.902 J/gºC

Comparing the specific heat capacity (i.e 0.902 J/gºC) of substance to those given in the table above, we can see clearly that the unknown substance is aluminum.