Question

Two substances, A and B, initially at different temperatures, come into contact and reach thermal equilibrium. The mass of substance A is 6.40 g and its initial temperature is 20.9 ∘C. The mass of substance B is 25.8 g and its initial temperature is 52.4 ∘C. The final temperature of both substances at thermal equilibrium is 47.0 ∘C.

I

If the specific heat capacity of substance B is 1.17 J/g⋅∘C, what is the specific heat capacity of substance A?

Answer 1

Q = m c ∆T
Q = quantity of heat in joules (J)
m = mass of the substance acting as the environment in
grams (g)
c = specific heat capacity in J/(g ^oC)
∆T = change in temperature = T_final - T_initial in ^oC

Hence

For A

Mass = 6.4 g

∆T = 40-20.9 = 26.1

For B

Mass = 25.8

∆T = 52.4 - 40 = 12.4

specific heat capacity = 1.17 J/g⋅∘C

Hence A and B Must be equal

6.4 x 26.1 x specific heat capacity of A = 25.8 x 12.4 x 1.17

specific heat capacity of A = 374.306 / 167.07 = 2.2408 J/g⋅^∘C