A 15g sample of what appears to be gold that was heated from 22 degrees C to 39 degrees C, required 26.3 J of energy. If the specific heat of gold is .129 J/(g x degrees C), is the metal pure gold? Defend your answer with calculations.

Answer 1

q = mass metal x specific heat metal x (Tfinal-Tinitial)
Substitute q, mass metal, Tfinal and Tinitial and solve for specific heat. Compare with that of pure Au.