Question

A graph titled Energy Transferred for 50 grams of Metal with vertical axis Energy (Joules) and horizontal axis Type of Material. The first bar labeled sand goes up to 4 Joules. The second bar labeled aluminum goes up to 5 Joules. The third bar labeled steel goes up to 2.5 Joules. The fourth bar labeled lead goes up to 0.75 Joules.
In an experiment, 50 g of each material were placed in a calorimeter with the same starting water volume and temperature. Which is the best interpretation of the chart?

Lead has the highest specific heat of the four materials shown.
The energy transferred and type of material are inversely proportional to each other.
Different materials have different abilities to transfer energy.
Mass and type of material are proportional.

Answer 1

Different materials have different abilities to transfer energy.

Explanation: All samples had the same mass and starting conditions, so the different energies transferred reflect differences in the materials' specific heats (their ability to absorb/release heat).