The specific heat of wood is 2.03 J/g∙°C. How much heat is needed to convert 550. g of wood at -15.0°C to 10.0°C?

1 answer

To calculate the amount of heat needed, we need to use the formula:

q = m * C * ΔT

where:
q = heat (in joules)
m = mass (in grams)
C = specific heat (in J/g∙°C), and
ΔT = change in temperature (in °C).

Given:
m = 550. g
C = 2.03 J/g∙°C
ΔT = 10.0°C - (-15.0°C) = 25.0°C

Plugging in the values:

q = 550. g * 2.03 J/g∙°C * 25.0°C
= 27932.5 J

Therefore, 27,932.5 J of heat is needed to convert 550. g of wood at -15.0°C to 10.0°C.