1. The temperature of two substances with the same mass increases by 20 degrees Celsius. Which absorbs the most energy, the substance with the higher or lower specific heat? Explain
2. The human body is approximately 60% water. Explain how this high percentage of water helps the body handle rapid changes in outside temperature.
1. Use q = mass x specific heat x delta T. That explains it all. Reason throught it. If you still need help let me suggest you substitute 0.1 for specific heat along with some number for mass and delta T and solve for T. Then substitute 5 for specific heat and the same numbers for mass and delta T and SEE FOR YOURSELF what happens to q.
2. Use the answer you found for #1 to answer #2.
1. To determine which substance absorbs the most energy, we need to consider the specific heat capacity of the substances. The specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a given mass of a substance by a certain amount.
If both substances have the same mass but different specific heat capacities, the one with the lower specific heat capacity will absorb more energy. This is because a substance with lower specific heat capacity requires less energy to increase its temperature compared to a substance with higher specific heat capacity.
For example, let's say Substance A has a lower specific heat capacity and Substance B has a higher specific heat capacity. When both substances experience an increase in temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, Substance A will require less energy to achieve this temperature change compared to Substance B. This means Substance A absorbs more energy.
Therefore, the substance with the lower specific heat capacity absorbs more energy when the temperature of both substances increases by the same amount.
2. The high percentage of water in the human body helps it handle rapid changes in outside temperature through its ability to absorb and retain heat. Water has a high specific heat capacity, which means it requires a significant amount of energy to change its temperature.
When the outside temperature changes rapidly, our bodies can efficiently distribute the heat by transferring it to the water within us. This process, known as thermal regulation, allows our bodies to absorb excess heat in warmer temperatures and release it in colder temperatures, helping to maintain a relatively stable internal temperature. This helps us avoid dramatic fluctuations in body temperature that could be harmful to our health.
Additionally, the evaporation of water from our skin through sweat helps cool our bodies down. As sweat evaporates, it takes away heat, resulting in a cooling effect. This mechanism allows our bodies to regulate temperature and prevent overheating.
The high percentage of water in our bodies also plays a crucial role in transporting nutrients, ensuring proper organ function, maintaining cell structure, and aiding in digestion. Water is essential for various bodily functions, and its abundance contributes to our overall well-being and ability to adapt to changes in external conditions, including temperature.