Question

What is the specific heat of a material if a 6.0 g sample absorbs 50 J when it is heated from 30°C to 50°C?

Answer 1

`Cs`= 0.4167`J/(gC)`

Explanation:

Use the equation `q=mC_sDeltaT`

You are given the `q` in the form of J. You are given the mass in grams and also the initial and final temperature. `Delta`T = `T_f`-`T_i`.

If you plug in the known variables the equation will look like:
`50J`=`6g` `(C_s)` `20C`

At this point you just solve for `C_s` using some algebra.

`50J`/`(6g)` `(20C)`

It is really helpful to keep units in the equation when solving. Let the units lead the way in solving thermochemistry problems.