Which of the following best explains why mixing 50.0 g of metal Y at 100 °C with 100…
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Thermodynamics · Thermodynamics
Problem
Which of the following best explains why mixing 50.0 g of metal Y at 100 °C with 100 g of water at 25 °C produces a final temperature of 35 °C, whereas mixing 50.0 g of metal X at 100 °C with the same mass of water produces a final temperature of only 30 °C?
(a) Metal Y has a higher thermal conductivity than metal X, allowing faster heat flow to the water and a higher final temperature.
(b) Metal Y has a lower specific heat capacity than metal X, so it cools more slowly and transfers less total heat.
(c) Metal Y has a higher specific heat capacity than metal X, so it releases more thermal energy per degree of cooling.
(d) Metal X absorbs additional energy via an endothermic phase change during cooling, lowering the final temperature of the mixture.