An unknown metal with a mass of 260 g has a heat capacity of 100 J/oC. What is the specific heat of the metal?
I am stuck finding the right equation, knowing that the mass is 260 g and heat is 100 J per Celsius.
Thus, going with the equation, q=msT, the equation should fit in like this 100 = 260st, however I am not sure about the final temperate (t) and the question is asking for specific heat (s). Where did I go wrong?
divide 100J/C by mass, and you will havespecifice heat capacity
I thought that was the case too, sorry if I am overthinking it and thank you!
To find the specific heat of the metal, you need to rearrange the equation q = msΔT. Here's how you can solve it:
1. First, let's identify the variables in the equation:
- q represents the heat energy (in joules).
- m represents the mass of the metal (in grams).
- s represents the specific heat of the metal (in J/g·°C).
- ΔT represents the change in temperature (in °C).
2. Plug in the given values:
- q = 100 J
- m = 260 g
3. The equation now becomes:
100 J = (260 g) × s × ΔT
4. However, we don't have the value for ΔT, the change in temperature. Since the question doesn't provide it, we'll assume that the final and initial temperatures are the same, resulting in a change in temperature of zero (ΔT = 0).
5. Now, our equation becomes:
100 J = (260 g) × s × 0
6. Any value multiplied by zero is zero, so this equation simplifies to:
100 J = 0
7. Since the equation is not valid, we can conclude that there was an error in the problem description or there is missing information. If you were given the final temperature or information about the temperature change, you would be able to solve for the specific heat.
In summary, without the final temperature or information about the temperature change, it is not possible to determine the specific heat of the unknown metal using the provided equation.