15.5 g of an unknown metal at 165.0°C is dropped into 150.0mL of H2O at 23.0°C in a coffee cup calorimeter. The metal and H2O reached thermal equilibrium at 30.0°C. Calculate the specific heat capacity of the unknown metal. Specific heat of water is 4.184 J/g°C.

Specific heat capacity of metal is 2.09 j/g.°C.

Explanation:

Specific heat capacity:

It is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of substance by one degree.

Formula:

Q = m. c. ΔT

Q = amount of heat absorbed or released

m = mass of given substance

c = specific heat capacity of substance

ΔT = change in temperature

Given dа ta:

Mass of metal = 15.5 g

Initial temperature = 165.0°C

Initial temperature of water = 23.0°C

Final temperature = 30.0°C

Specific heat capacity of metal = ?

Specific heat capacity of water = 4.184 J/g°C

Volume of water = 150.0 mL or 150.0 g

Solution:

Formula:

- Qm = + Qw

Now we will put the values in formula.

-15.5 g * c * [ 30.0°C - 165.0°C] = 150 g * 4.184 J/g°C * [ 30.0°C - 23.0°C]

15.5 g * c * 135°C = 4393.2 j

2092.5 g.°C * c = 4393.2 j

c = 4393.2 j/2092.5 g.°C

c = 2.09 j/g.°C