Question

Dr. Sinko places an aluminum block and a copper block in contact, and allows them to achieve thermodynamic equilibrium. Aluminum has a higher heat capacity (0.9 J/g) than copper (0.35 J/g). Copper has a higher thermal conductivity (~385 W/(K m)) than aluminum (~205 W/(K m)). Which statement is true about the two blocks? (only one statement is completely true) Question 10 options: No heat flows in this situation. Aluminum’s higher heat capacity means it does not get as hot when energy is shared between the two blocks, so the copper will be hotter. The two blocks have the same temperature. Copper’s higher thermal conductivity will cause the aluminum to heat up compared to the copper.

Answer 1

The two blocks have the same temperature

Step-by-step explanation:

Given;

heat capacity of Aluminum = 0.9 J/g

heat capacity of copper = 0.35 J/g

thermal conductivity of copper = 385 W/(K m)

thermal conductivity of Aluminum = 205 W/(K m)

Based on the given data, it can be concluded that;

• Aluminum’s higher heat capacity means it does not get as hot when energy is shared between the two blocks, so the copper will be hotter
• Copper’s higher thermal conductivity will cause the aluminum to heat up compared to the copper

However, the two metallic blocks (aluminum block and a copper block), were allowed to achieve thermodynamic equilibrium, and as a result they will have the same temperature.

Therefore, the correct statement is "The two blocks have the same temperature".