How much heat is absorbed by a 2000 kg granite boulder as energy from the sun causes its temperature to change from 8°C to 26°C?
q = mass x specific heat x delta T.
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To determine the amount of heat absorbed by the granite boulder, we can use the specific heat capacity formula. The specific heat capacity (c) represents the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1 degree Celsius.
The equation to calculate the heat absorbed is:
Q = mcΔT
Where:
Q = heat absorbed (in Joules)
m = mass of the object (in kg)
c = specific heat capacity (in J/kg·°C)
ΔT = change in temperature (in °C)
In this case:
m = 2000 kg
c = specific heat capacity of granite (approximately 790 J/kg·°C)
ΔT = change in temperature = final temperature - initial temperature = (26°C - 8°C) = 18°C
Now we can substitute these values into the equation:
Q = (2000 kg) × (790 J/kg·°C) × (18°C)
Q = 28,440,000 J
Therefore, about 28,440,000 Joules of heat energy is absorbed by the granite boulder as the temperature changes from 8°C to 26°C.