Q. 3.37 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

If the same amount of heat is supplied to samples of$10.0 \mathrm{g}$ each of aluminum, iron, and copper all at$15.0 °\mathrm{C}$. which sample would reach the highest temperature (see Table 3.11)?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Copper has the lowest specific heat and will reach the highest temperature of the samples.

Step 1: Given data

The same amount of heat is supplied to samples of $10.0 g$

Each of aluminum, iron, and copper all at$15° C$

Find the highest temperature.  

Step 2: Sample would reach the highest temperature

We know that, specific heat$\left(SH\right)=\frac{\text{ heat }}{\text{ grams }\times \Delta T}$

The specific heat of aluminum, iron, and copper samples is inversely proportional to temperature change. This means that if the specific heat of samples decreases, the temperature change increases.

Copper has the lowest specific heat and will reach the highest temperature of the samples.