Question

A heater transfers 500,000J to the thermal store of a block of steel. The block has a mass of 3.2kg and a specific heat capacity of 420 J/(kg°C). If the steel begins at a temperature of 50°C. What is the final temperature of the steel?

Answer 1

To find the final temperature of the steel, we need to use the equation:

Heat transferred = mass * specific heat capacity * change in temperature

Given:
Heat transferred = 500,000 J
Mass of steel = 3.2 kg
Specific heat capacity of steel = 420 J/(kg°C)
Initial temperature of steel = 50°C

Let the final temperature be T.

Therefore, the equation becomes:

500,000 J = 3.2 kg * 420 J/(kg°C) * (T - 50°C)

Simplifying the equation:

500,000 J = 1344 kg°C * (T - 50°C)

Dividing both sides of the equation by 1344 kg°C:

T - 50°C = 500,000 J / 1344 kg°C

T - 50°C = 372.024 J/kg

Adding 50°C to both sides of the equation:

T = 372.024 J/kg + 50°C

T = 422.024°C

Therefore, the final temperature of the steel is 422.024°C.