The specific heat capacity of iron is approximately half that of aluminum. Two balls of equal mass, one made of iron and the other of aluminum, both at 90 °C, are dropped into a thermally insulated jar that contains an equal mass of water at 25 °C. Thermal equilibrium is eventually reached. Which one of the following statements concerning the final temperatures is true?
A)Both balls will reach the same final temperature.
B)The iron ball will reach a higher final temperature than the aluminum ball.
C)The aluminum ball will reach a higher final temperature than the iron ball.
D)The difference in the final temperatures of the balls depends on the initial mass of the water.
E)The difference in the final temperatures of the balls depends on the initial temperature of the water.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both balls will reach the same final temperature because they are in thermal contact with the same mass of water in a thermally insulated system, leading to thermal equilibrium.

The Specific Heat Capacity of Iron Is Approximately Half That