Question

Three separate 3.50 g blocks of Al, Cu, and Fe at 25.0C each absorb 0.505 kJ of heat. Which block shows the highest change in temperature and what is this change in temperature? The specific heats of Al, Cu, and Fe are 0.900 J/g·K, 0.385J/g·K, and 0.444 J/g·K, respectively.

Answer 1

We know, Q = m x Cp x dT

For Al, Q = 0.505kJ = 505J = 3.50g x 0.900J/gK x dT

dT = 160.3K

For Cu, Q = 0.505kJ = 505J = 3.50g x 0.385J/gK x dT

dT = 374.8K

For Fe, Q = 0.505kJ = 505J = 3.50g x 0.444J/gK x dT

dT = 324.9K

so, less the specific heat, more change in temperature. So, Cu has the highest change in temperature.