A 0.50 kg sample of an unknown crystalline solid is initially at 20 °C
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Thermal Properties of Matter · Thermal Properties of Matter
Problem
A 0.50 kg sample of an unknown crystalline solid is initially at 20 °C. It is heated by an electrical device that supplies a constant 120 W for exactly 5.0 min. At the end of this interval the sample’s temperature is 54 °C. Assume any energy exchanges with the surroundings other than the electrical heating are negligible.
(a) Calculate the total amount of thermal energy delivered to the sample during the 5.0 min interval. Include the correct unit in your answer.
(b) Determine the specific heat capacity of the unknown solid. Express your answer with an appropriate number of significant figures and units.
(c) The specific heat capacities of several common metals are listed below:
Aluminum: 900 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹
Copper: 385 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹
Iron: 450 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹
Lead: 130 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹
Based on your result in part (b), identify which metal is most consistent with the sample. Explain your reasoning.