Determine the specific heat (in J/g C) for a 2.508 kilogram substance which increases its temperature from 4.051 C to 42.061 C when it absorbs 3.42 kilojoules of energy.

Answer: 0.036 J/g°C

Explanation:

The quantity of heat energy (Q) required to raise the temperature of a substance depends on its Mass (M), specific heat capacity (C) and change in temperature (Φ)

Thus, Q = MCΦ

Given that,

Q = 3.42 Kilojoules

[Convert 3.42 kilojoules to joules

If 1 kilojoule = 1000 joules

3.42 kilojoules = 3.42 x 1000 = 3420J]

Mass = 2.508Kg

[Convert 2.508 kg to grams

If 1 kg = 1000 grams

2.508kg = 2.508 x 1000 = 2508g]

C = ? (let unknown value be Z)

Φ = (Final temperature - Initial temperature)

= 42.061°C - 4.051°C

= 38.01°C

Apply the formula, Q = MCΦ

3420J = 2508g x Z x 38.01°C

3420J = 95329.08g•°C x Z

Z = (3420J / 95329.08g•°C)

Z = 0.03588 J/g°C

Round the value of Z to the nearest thousandth, hence Z = 0.036 J/g°C

Thus, the specific heat of the substance is 0.036 J/g°C