Propose a method for determining the specific heat for a metal like sodium, which reacts with water.

How do you determine the specific heat of a metal. You heat it to a specified temperature, transfer it to water at a known T and measure the rise in T of the water. Could you enclose the Na metal in a non-reactive metal container (one which you have already measured the mass and specific heat), then heat the whole thing up, place it in the water bath, and measure the rise in T of the surrounding water. This isn't quite what I had in mind when I first asnwered but check my thinking on this.

Answered below.

What would the method be, though?

Same as any calorimetry method except use some liquid that will not react with water (and of course one for which you know the specific heat).

Can you exlain more on your answer, I am not quite grasping what you are saying.

Take the Temperature of the water before you put the heated metal in the water. Then take the temp of the water at the highest point. then calculate the heat gained by the water( which is the heat lost by the metal)

Heat gained by water(J)= Mass of water (g)* Change in Temp (Delta T) * Specific heat of the water (4.184 J/g C)
Then using that equation you can determine the specific heat of the metal
Specigi heat of metal (Cp)= (Heat gained by water (J) / Mass of metal* Delta T of Metal

To determine the specific heat of a metal like sodium, which reacts with water, you can follow the steps outlined below:

1. Select an appropriate vessel: Choose a container that can withstand the high reactivity of sodium and water. A heat-resistant glass vessel or a metal container like stainless steel could be ideal for this purpose.

2. Measure the mass of the metal: Use a digital balance or scale to measure the exact mass of the sodium metal. Record this value in grams (g).

3. Prepare a known amount of water: Determine the mass of water you will be using. This can be done by measuring the mass of an empty container and then filling it with a known volume of water. Measure the mass of the container with water and subtract the mass of the empty container to get the mass of water (in grams).

4. Heat the metal: Using tongs or a similar tool, carefully place the sodium metal in the vessel. Then, heat the vessel using a Bunsen burner or another heat source until the sodium metal starts reacting with water. Ensure proper ventilation and safety precautions are followed during this step.

5. Measure the temperature change: As the sodium reacts with water, it will release energy in the form of heat. Use a sensitive and accurate thermometer to measure the temperature change of the water. Note the initial and final temperatures and calculate the change in temperature (in degrees Celsius or Kelvin).

6. Calculate the heat gained by water: The heat gained by the water can be calculated using the formula Q = mcΔT, where Q represents the heat gained, m is the mass of water, c is the specific heat of water (which is approximately 4.18 J/g°C), and ΔT is the change in temperature.

7. Calculate the specific heat of sodium: Now, to determine the specific heat of sodium, you can use the formula Q = msΔT, where Q is the heat gained by the water (obtained in the previous step), m is the mass of sodium (in grams) used in the reaction, s is the specific heat of sodium (which is what we want to determine), and ΔT is the change in temperature.

8. Solve for the specific heat of sodium: Rearrange the formula from step 7 to solve for the specific heat (s) of sodium. It can be calculated as s = Q / (mΔT), where Q is the heat gained by water and m is the mass of sodium used.

By following these steps and performing the necessary measurements and calculations, you should be able to determine the specific heat of sodium.