In a jewelry workshop they have 100 g of a material at 20°C. They apply 99 cal until reaching 53 °C. Determine the specific heat and identify what material it is (compare with the specific heat table).

Answer 1

To determine the specific heat of the material, we can use the formula:

Q = mcΔT

Where:
Q = heat energy applied (in calories)
m = mass of the material (in grams)
c = specific heat of the material (in cal/g°C)
ΔT = change in temperature (in °C)

Given values:
m = 100 g
ΔT = 53°C - 20°C = 33°C
Q = 99 cal

Plugging in these values into the formula:

99 cal = 100 g * c * 33°C

Solving for c:
c = 99 cal / (100 g * 33°C)
c = 0.03 cal/g°C

Now, we compare this specific heat value with the specific heat table to identify the material. From the table, we find that the specific heat of copper is approximately 0.092 cal/g°C, iron is approximately 0.11 cal/g°C, and aluminum is approximately 0.21 cal/g°C.

Since the specific heat value calculated (0.03 cal/g°C) is closest to that of copper, we can conclude that the material is likely copper.