An unknown substance has a mass of 28.1 g. The temperature of the substance increases by 16.3 degrees Celsius when 176 J of heat is added to the substance. What is the most likely identity of the substance? The table lists the specific heat capacities of select substances.

q = mass x specific heat x delta T.

176 J = 28.1 x specific heat x 16.3
Solve for specific heat and compare with the table provided.

458.03

To determine the most likely identity of the substance, we need to calculate its specific heat capacity and compare it to the specific heat capacities given in the table. The specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of the substance by 1 degree Celsius.

The formula to calculate the specific heat capacity (C) is:
C = q / (m * ΔT)
where:
C = specific heat capacity
q = heat added to the substance
m = mass of the substance
ΔT = change in temperature

Let's plug in the values given in the problem:
q = 176 J
m = 28.1 g
ΔT = 16.3 °C

C = 176 J / (28.1 g * 16.3 °C)
C ≈ 0.393 J/g°C

Now, let's compare this value with the specific heat capacities given in the table. The substance in question is most likely the one that has a specific heat capacity closest to the calculated value of 0.393 J/g°C.

Without knowing the specific substances listed in the table, it's not possible to provide a direct comparison. However, you can look up the specific heat capacities of different substances in the table and choose the one that closely matches the calculated value of 0.393 J/g°C.