Question

the table lists the specific heat capacities of select substances.

an unknown substance has a mass of 16.1 g. the temperature of the substance increases by 18.7°c when 70.8 j of heat is added to the substance.

what is the most likely identity of the substance?
silver
lead
water
iron
aluminum
copper

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the specific heat formula

The formula for heat \(Q = mc\Delta T\), where \(Q\) is the heat added, \(m\) is the mass, \(c\) is the specific heat capacity, and \(\Delta T\) is the change in temperature. We need to solve for \(c\), so \(c=\frac{Q}{m\Delta T}\).

Step2: Substitute the given values

Given \(Q = 70.8\space J\), \(m = 16.1\space g\), and \(\Delta T=18.7^{\circ}C\).

$$ c=\frac{70.8}{16.1\times18.7} $$

First, calculate \(16.1\times18.7 = 16.1\times(18 + 0.7)=16.1\times18+16.1\times0.7=289.8+11.27 = 301.07\)
Then \(c=\frac{70.8}{301.07}\approx0.235\space J/g^{\circ}C\)

Answer:

silver