Calculating Heat: A Key Concept in Chemistry
How can we calculate the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of water?
The specific heat of water is 4.184 J/g•°C. What amount of heat, in joules, is required to raise the temperature of 51.28 grams of water from 29.2°C to 47.9°C? Report your answer with 3 significant figures.
The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 51.28 grams of water from 29.2°C to 47.9°C is approximately 3.86 x 10³ J.
To calculate the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of water, we can use the formula:
q = m * c * ΔT
where:
q is the amount of heat (in joules),
m is the mass of water (in grams),
c is the specific heat of water (in J/g•°C), and
ΔT is the change in temperature (in °C).
Mass of water, m = 51.28 grams
Specific heat of water, c = 4.184 J/g•°C
Change in temperature, ΔT = 47.9°C - 29.2°C = 18.7°C
Now, let's substitute these values into the formula and calculate the amount of heat:
q = 51.28 g * 4.184 J/g•°C * 18.7°C
In the fascinating world of chemistry, the concept of calculating heat is essential. Understanding how heat interacts with substances like water allows us to comprehend various phenomena in our world. Let's dive deeper into the calculation of heat through an example involving water.
Water, with its specific heat of 4.184 J/g•°C, requires a certain amount of heat to raise its temperature. In this case, we are tasked with determining the heat needed to elevate the temperature of 51.28 grams of water from 29.2°C to 47.9°C.
By using the formula q = m * c * ΔT, where q represents the heat, m is the mass of water, c is the specific heat of water, and ΔT is the temperature change, we can calculate the required heat. Substituting the given values, we find that the amount of heat needed is approximately 3.86 x 10³ J.
This calculation showcases the precise nature of chemistry and how scientific principles can be applied to solve real-world problems. By understanding the concept of calculating heat, we gain valuable insights into the behavior of substances and the transformative power of energy.