The temperature of an unknown substance weighing 500 grams rises by 30°C when 2,000 cal of heat is added to it. What is the specific heat of this substance?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The specific heat (c) of a substance is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of the substance by one degree Celsius (or one kelvin). The formula relating the heat (Q), mass (m), specific heat (c), and change in temperature (ΔT) of a substance is:

Q = mcΔT

In this case, we know that the mass (m) is 500 grams, the change in temperature (ΔT) is 30°C, and the heat (Q) added is 2,000 cal. Plugging these values into the formula, we can solve for the specific heat (c):

2,000 cal = (500 g) c (30°C)
c = 0.133 cal/g·°C

Therefore, the specific heat of the unknown substance is 0.133 cal/g·°C, which corresponds to choice B.

The Temperature of an Unknown Substance Weighing 500 Grams Rises