What is the specific heat capacity of ethanol (C 2H 6O) if a 18.3 g sample increased 12.3 C upon the addition of 553.0 J? The units are J/(g ·K)

q = mass x specific heat x delta T

To calculate the specific heat capacity (C) of ethanol, we need to use the equation:

q = m * C * ΔT

where:
q is the amount of heat absorbed or released by the substance,
m is the mass of the substance,
C is the specific heat capacity, and
ΔT is the change in temperature.

In this case, we are given:
m = 18.3 g (mass of ethanol)
ΔT = 12.3 °C (change in temperature)
q = 553.0 J (amount of heat absorbed)

Rearranging the equation, we get:

C = q / (m * ΔT)

Plugging in the given values, we can calculate the specific heat capacity:

C = 553.0 J / (18.3 g * 12.3 °C)

C = 553.0 J / (224.9 g·°C)

C ≈ 2.46 J/(g·°C)

Therefore, the specific heat capacity of ethanol is approximately 2.46 J/(g·°C).