In the construction of bridges and skyscrapers, gaps must be left between adjoining steel beams to allow for the expansion and contraction of the metal due to heating and cooling. The temperature of a sample of iron with a mass of 10.0g changed from 50.4oC to 25.0oC with the release of 114J heat. What is the specific heat?
bruh
To find the specific heat of a substance, we can use the formula:
Heat (Q) = mass (m) × specific heat (C) × change in temperature (ΔT)
In this case, we are given the mass (m) of the iron sample (10.0g), the change in temperature (ΔT) (50.4oC - 25.0oC = 25.4oC), and the amount of heat released (Q) (114J). We need to calculate the specific heat (C).
Rearranging the formula, we get:
C = Q / (m × ΔT)
Now, substitute the given values into the formula:
C = 114J / (10.0g × 25.4oC)
To calculate this expression, we need to convert grams to kilograms and degrees Celsius to Kelvin, as the SI unit for mass is kilograms and the temperature should be in Kelvin.
Converting grams to kilograms, we divide by 1000:
C = 114J / (0.0100kg × 25.4oC)
Converting degrees Celsius to Kelvin, we add 273.15:
C = 114J / (0.0100kg × 25.4K)
Finally, we can solve for C:
C = 4.488 J/(kg·K)
Therefore, the specific heat of the iron sample is approximately 4.488 J/(kg·K).