Question

lesson 31b - specific heat capacity
when is q negative?
□ when energy is being released
□ when energy is being absorbed
□ when the final temperature is higher than the initial temperature
□ when the final temperature is lower than the initial temperature

Explanation:

In thermodynamics, \( Q \) (heat) is negative when a system releases energy (loses heat). This aligns with the sign convention: negative \( Q \) indicates exothermic processes (energy out). A lower final temperature than initial also means the system lost heat, so \( Q \) is negative.

Answer:

when energy is being released, when the final temperature is lower than the initial temperature