Question

multiple-choice question
why did gold (au) show the greatest change in temperature when heat was added?
because of its lower specific heat capacity, it will take more thermal energy to increase in temperature.
because of its lower specific heat capacity, it requires less energy to increase in temperature than the other substances.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the concept of specific heat capacity. The formula relating heat (\(Q\)), mass (\(m\)), specific heat capacity (\(c\)), and temperature change (\(\Delta T\)) is \(Q = mc\Delta T\). Rearranging for \(\Delta T\), we get \(\Delta T=\frac{Q}{mc}\). For a given amount of heat (\(Q\)) and mass (\(m\)), a lower specific heat capacity (\(c\)) leads to a larger temperature change (\(\Delta T\)).

• The first option is incorrect because a lower specific heat capacity means less, not more, thermal energy is needed to increase temperature.
• The second option is correct as it states that with lower specific heat capacity, gold requires less energy to increase in temperature compared to other substances, which aligns with the formula (since lower \(c\) gives larger \(\Delta T\) for the same \(Q\) and \(m\)).

Answer:

B. Because of its lower specific heat capacity, it requires less energy to increase in temperature than the other substances.