Question

comparing specific heats

\

$$\begin{tabular}{|c|c|} \\hline metal & specific heat (j/g°c) \\\\ \\hline cd & 0.232 \\\\ \\hline cu & 0.385 \\\\ \\hline fe & 0.450 \\\\ \\hline ag & 0.235 \\\\ \\hline \\end{tabular}$$

10.0 g of each material has 100 j of energy added. which material has the smallest increase in temperature?

• iron
• cadmium
• silver
• copper

Explanation:

Relate temperature change to specific heat capacity

$$ Q = m c \Delta T \implies \Delta T = \frac{Q}{m c} $$

Analyze the inverse relationship

$$ \text{Since } Q = 100\text{ J and } m = 10.0\text{ g are constant:} \quad \Delta T \propto \frac{1}{c} $$

Identify the material with the largest specific heat

$$
LATEXBLOCK0
$$

Answer:

• iron (Correct answer)
• cadmium
• silver
• copper