Question

A 0.2 kg metal at 150°C is placed in a copper calorimeter (water equivalent 0.025 kg) with 150 cm³ water at 27°C. Final temperature is 40°C. Find the specific heat of the metal.

Options

• 0.4 Jg^-1 K^-1

• 0.43 Jg^-1 K^-1

• 0.54 Jg^-1 K^-1

• 0.61 Jg^-1 K^-1

Answer 1

0.43 Jg^-1 K^-1

Explanation:

Mass of metal = 200 g, temperature fall = 110°C
Heat lost = 200 × C × 110

Water = 150 g, calorimeter = 25 g, temperature rise = 13°C
Heat gained = (150 + 25) × 13

Equating: 200 × C × 110 = 175 × 13
C = 0.1 cal g⁻¹ °C⁻¹ ≈ 0.43 J g⁻¹ K⁻¹