Question

A 50.0 g sample of an unknown substance, initially at 20.2 °C, was heated with 1.55 kJ of energy. The final temperature of the substance was 125.0 °C. Determine the specific heat of this substance.

Answer 1

The specific heat of the substance can be calculated using the formula q = mcΔT.

Step-by-step explanation:

The specific heat of a substance can be calculated using the formula:

q = mcΔT

where:

• 
  
• q is the heat energy absorbed by the substance (1.55 kJ in this case)
• 
  
• m is the mass of the substance (50.0 g)
• 
  
• c is the specific heat of the substance (unknown)
• 
  
• ΔT is the change in temperature (final temperature - initial temperature)

Plugging in the values:

1.55 kJ = (50.0 g) * c * (125.0 °C - 20.2 °C)

Solving for c:

c = (1.55 kJ) / [(50.0 g) * (125.0 °C - 20.2 °C)]