Question

A solid of mass 50 g at 150 °C is placed in 100 g of water at 11 °C when the final temperature recorded is 20 °C. Find the specific heat capacity of the solid. (specific heat capacity of water = 4.2 J/g °C)

Answer 1

Mass of the solid, ms = 50 g
Initial temperature of the solid, ts = 150C
Mass of water, mw = 100 g
Temperature of water, tw = 11°C
Final temperature of the mixture, t = 20°C
According to the principle of calorimetry

Heat gained by water = Heat lost by the solid

${\displaystyle \therefore m_w{c}_w(t-t_w)=m_s{c}_s(t_s-t)}$

∴ 100 x 4.2 x (20 - 10) = 50 x c_s x (150 - 20)

3780 = 6500c_s

${\displaystyle \therefore c_s=\frac{3780}{6500}=0.581}$ J/g °C