Question

In a calorimetry experiment, the numerator of the specific heat formula (m₂s₂ + m₃s₃)(T − T₂) represents ______.

Options

• Heat lost by the hot sample

• Total heat gained by the calorimeter and water combined

• Heat is exchanged between the sample and the lid

• Potential energy stored in the calorimeter

Answer 1

In a calorimetry experiment, the numerator of the specific heat formula (m₂s₂ + m₃s₃)(T − T₂) represents total heat gained by the calorimeter and water combined.

Explanation:

The term (m₂s₂)(T − T₂) gives heat gained by the calorimeter, and (m₃s₃)(T − T₂) gives heat gained by the water. Their sum represents the total heat absorbed by the calorimeter-water system, which equals the heat lost by the hot sample in an isolated system.