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A sample of nickel (specific heat capacity 0.446J/goC) is heated to 255.5oC and placed in a coffee cup calorimeter containing 250.0 g of water at a temperature of 20.0oC. Calculate the mass of the nickel sample in grams, if the final temperature of the system is 35.5oC. The heat capacity of H2O is 4.18 J/gC.

165.078 g

Explanation:

We are given;

Specific heat capacity of nickel as 0.446 J/g°C Initial temperature of nickel is 255.5 °C Mass of water in the calorimeter is 250.0 g Initial temperature of water is 20° C Final temperature of the mixture is 35.5°C Specific heat capacity of water is 4.18 J/g°C

We are required to calculate the mass of nickel sample;

Step 1: Calculate the amount of heat absorbed by water.

We know that quantity of heat absorbed, Q = m * c * ΔT

Change in temperature, ΔT = 35.5°C - 20°C

= 15.5 °C

Therefore, Q = 250 g * 4.1 J/g°C * 15.5° C

= 16,197.5 Joules

Step 2: Calculate the amount of heat released by nickel sample

Assuming the mass of nickel sample is m

Then, Heat released, Q = m * c * ΔT

Change in temperature, ΔT = 255.5 °C - 35.5 ° C

= 220 °C

Q = m * 0.446 J/g°C * 220° C

= 98.12m joules

Step 3: Determine the mass of nickel sample

We know that the amount of heat absorbed is equivalent to amount of heat released.

That is, Quantity of heat absorbed = Quantity of heat released

Therefore;

98.12 m joules = 16,197.5 Joules

m = 165.078 g

Thus, the mass of nickel sample is 165.078 g