The question is: A 30g sample of metal with a specific heat of .34J/g is heated to 50C. 4.8KJ of energy was transferred. What is the initial temperature?

I used:
heat=(mass)(specific heat)(change in temp)
So I did 4800J=(30)(.34)(50-x)
4800=(10.2)(50-x)
4800=510-10.2x
4290=10.2
-420.59
This can't possibly be right. Can you tell me where I went wrong? Thanks!

1 answer

You did the calculations correctly. I expect the writer of the problem did not think when she constructed the question.