Question

evaluating differences based on specific heat
which statement best describes the mass of gold and iron atoms based on their respective specific heat values?
material specific heat (joules/gram °c)
gold 0.129
iron 0.450
gold atoms are heavier than iron atoms.
iron atoms are heavier than gold atoms.
gold atoms have the same mass as iron atoms.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall specific - heat concept

Specific heat is related to the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius. In general, substances with heavier atoms tend to have lower specific - heat values because the atoms are more massive and vibrate less easily.

Step2: Compare values

The specific heat of gold is 0.129 J/g°C and that of iron is 0.450 J/g°C. Since gold has a lower specific - heat value, its atoms are heavier than iron atoms.

Answer:

Gold atoms are heavier than iron atoms.