Question

If the same amount of heat is added to equal masses of each of the following substances, which substance will undergo the largest temperature change?

Substance Specific heat(j/gC)

Al (s) 0.90
Cl2(g) 0.48
C6H6(l) 1.7
H2O (l) 4.2
NaCl(s) 0.87

temp. change = 1/S.H. (specific heat) therefore temperature change for each substance is:

Substance Temp. Change
Al (s) 1.1(1)
Cl2 (g) 2.083(3)
C6H6 (l) 0.5882
H2O (l) 0.238
NaCl (s) 1.14942

Does it mean that the answer is Cl2 since Chloride has the greatest temp change as 2.083?

Thank you so much - I need it today.

Answer 1

Yes, the lowest specific heat material will undergo the largest temperature change for the same amount of heat applied.