Question

use the concept of specific heat to analyze the following observation. two pieces of metal with exactly the same mass are placed on a surface in bright sunlight. the temperature of the 1st block increases by 3°c while the temperature of the 2nd increases by 8°c. if the specific heat of the 2nd block is 0.24 j/g - k, what is the specific heat of the 1st block? a 0.3 j/g - k b 0.64 j/g - k c 1.2 j/g - k

Explanation:

Step1: Recall heat - transfer formula

The heat - transfer formula is $Q = mc\Delta T$, where $Q$ is the heat absorbed, $m$ is the mass, $c$ is the specific heat, and $\Delta T$ is the temperature change. Since the two metal pieces are in the same sunlight, they absorb the same amount of heat, i.e., $Q_1=Q_2$.

Step2: Set up the equation

We have $m_1c_1\Delta T_1=m_2c_2\Delta T_2$. Given that $m_1 = m_2$, the equation simplifies to $c_1\Delta T_1=c_2\Delta T_2$.

Step3: Solve for $c_1$

We know that $c_2 = 0.24\ J/g - K$, $\Delta T_1=3^{\circ}C$, and $\Delta T_2 = 8^{\circ}C$. Rearranging the equation $c_1\Delta T_1=c_2\Delta T_2$ for $c_1$, we get $c_1=\frac{c_2\Delta T_2}{\Delta T_1}$.
Substitute the values: $c_1=\frac{0.24\times8}{3}$.
$c_1 = 0.64\ J/g - K$.

Answer:

B. 0.64 J/g - K