What is the specific heat of an unknown substance if 2000 J of energy are required to raise the temperature of 4 grams of the substance 5 degrees Celsius?
To find the specific heat of an unknown substance, we can use the formula:
q = mcΔT
Where:
- q represents the amount of heat energy transferred
- m is the mass of the substance
- c is the specific heat capacity of the substance
- ΔT is the change in temperature
In this case, we know:
- q = 2000 J
- m = 4 g
- ΔT = 5 °C
Substituting the known values into the formula, we have:
2000 J = (4 g) * c * 5 °C
To find the specific heat, we need to isolate c. Let's rearrange the formula:
c = q / (m * ΔT)
Now we can substitute the known values:
c = 2000 J / (4 g * 5 °C)
Simplifying the equation, we have:
c = 2000 J / 20 g °C
So, the specific heat capacity of the unknown substance is 100 J/(g °C).