what is the specific heat capacity of substance X when 34.80 g of X is heated from a starting temperature of 20.5 C to 40.9 C by 2.54 kJ of energy
To find the specific heat capacity of substance X, we can use the formula:
\(q = mcΔT\)
where
q = heat energy absorbed or released (in joules)
m = mass of the substance (in grams)
c = specific heat capacity of the substance (in J/g°C)
ΔT = change in temperature (in °C)
From the given information:
m = 34.80 g
ΔT = (40.9°C - 20.5°C) = 20.4°C
q = 2.54 kJ = 2.54 × 10^3 J
Now, plug these values in into the formula:
\(2.54 × 10^3 J = (34.80g) × c × (20.4°C)\)
To solve for c, we rearrange the equation:
\(c = \frac{{2.54 × 10^3 J}}{{34.80g × 20.4°C}}\)
c ≈ 1.432 J/g°C
Therefore, the specific heat capacity of substance X is approximately 1.432 J/g°C.