Question

In a lunar experiment, a 950-g aluminum (920 J/(^oCkg)) sphere is dropped from the space probe while is 75 m above the Lunar ground. If the sphere’s temperature increased by 0.11o C when it hits the ground, what percentage of the initial mechanical energy was absorbed as thermal energy by the aluminum sphere?

Answer 1

given :

m = 0.950 g

s = specific heat = 920 J/C/kg

change in temperature = 0.11 degree celsius

h = height = 75 m

Now,

Initial mechanical energy = mgh = loss in potential energy

= 0.950 * 9.81 * 75 = 698.9625 J

Energy used in increasing temperature =

= 0.950 * 920 * 0.11 = 96.14 J

Therefore, percentage of the initial mechanical energy was absorbed as thermal energy =

= 13.75 % [answer]