Thermal Energy

Question

A student plans to conduct an experiment using foam cups, some water, a rock, and a piece of metal.

At first, the rock is placed on a scale, and its mass of 123 grams gets recorded. Then, 123 grams of water get heated on the stove to 100°C. The water is poured into a foam cup, followed by the unheated rock. The temperature of the water is recorded with a thermometer until the temperature appears to stabilize.

In the second part of the experiment, water gets heated on the stove. The water gets poured into a foam cup, and then a piece of metal is added. The temperature of the water is recorded with a thermometer until the temperature appears to stabilize.

The student plans to compare the results from each part of the investigation.

Multiple Choice Question
Which calculation will need to be done to compare the results of the experiment?

A.
the difference between the initial and final temperatures of the rock

B.
the difference between the initial and final temperatures of the metal

C.
the difference between the final temperatures of the rock and the metal

D.
the difference between the initial temperature of the rock and the metal

Answer 1

To effectively compare the results of the two parts of the experiment, the relevant calculation would focus on the change in temperature that each material (rock and metal) induces on the water, which ultimately helps to study their thermal energy transfer characteristics.

Hence, the calculation that will need to be done to compare the results of the experiment is:

C. the difference between the final temperatures of the rock and the metal.

This option allows for a direct comparison of how each material affects the water's temperature after being added, which is the key focus of the experiment.