To determine which metal would be a better choice for making silverware, we need to consider their specific heat capacities. The specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a given mass of a substance by one degree Celsius.
In this case, you are comparing aluminum (Al) with a specific heat capacity of 0.901 J/gĀ°C and copper (Cu) with a specific heat capacity of 0.39 J/gĀ°C.
Your reasoning is correct that aluminum requires more heat (has a higher specific heat capacity) compared to copper. This means that aluminum will absorb and retain more heat energy than copper for the same mass and temperature change.
In terms of silverware, if you want utensils that do not get too hot when handling hot dishes, aluminum would be a better choice. Due to its higher specific heat capacity, aluminum will take longer to reach the same temperature as copper, making it less likely to conduct heat quickly and burn your hands.
So, your initial guess that aluminum would be a better choice for making silverware based on its higher specific heat capacity is indeed correct.