A 100 g sample of aluminum (c = 0.903 J/g°C) and a 100 g sample of iron (c = 0.449 J/g°C) are both heated from 20.2°C to 65.8°C. Which statement correctly describes the amount of heat that is absorbed?

a) It is the same for both samples.
b) It is greater for the aluminum than for the iron.
c) It is greater for the iron than for the aluminum.
d) It is twice as great for the iron than for the aluminum
e) It cannot be determined.

3 answers

To determine the amount of heat absorbed by each sample, we can use the formula:

Q = mcΔT

Where:
Q = the amount of heat absorbed
m = mass of the sample
c = specific heat capacity of the material
ΔT = change in temperature

For the aluminum sample:
Q(aluminum) = (100 g)(0.903 J/g°C)(65.8°C - 20.2°C)
Q(aluminum) = (100 g)(0.903 J/g°C)(45.6°C)

For the iron sample:
Q(iron) = (100 g)(0.449 J/g°C)(65.8°C - 20.2°C)
Q(iron) = (100 g)(0.449 J/g°C)(45.6°C)

By evaluating these equations, we find that the amount of heat absorbed is the same for both samples.

Therefore, the correct statement is:
a) It is the same for both samples.
is a) the final answer?
Yes, the correct answer is a) It is the same for both samples.