Calculate the specific heat (\rm{J/g \; ^\circ C}) for a 21.5 g sample of a metal that absorbs 685 J when temperature increases from 42.1^\circ C to83.2^\circ C.
q = mass metal x specific heat metal x (Tfinal - Tinitial).
Solve for the one unknown in the equation.
To calculate the specific heat of a substance, you can use the formula:
Specific heat = (heat absorbed)/(mass × change in temperature)
In this case, you have the following information:
Mass (m) = 21.5 g
Heat absorbed (q) = 685 J
Change in temperature (ΔT) = 83.2°C - 42.1°C = 41.1°C
Now, substitute these values into the formula to calculate the specific heat:
Specific heat = (685 J)/(21.5 g × 41.1°C)
Calculating the specific heat:
Specific heat = 15.98 J/g°C
Therefore, the specific heat of the metal is 15.98 J/g°C.