Two solid bars, X and Y

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Thermodynamics · Thermodynamics

Problem

Two solid bars, X and Y, have equal masses. Bar X has a specific heat capacity of 0.50 J g⁻¹ °C⁻¹ and an initial temperature of 90 °C. Bar Y has a specific heat capacity of 1.00 J g⁻¹ °C⁻¹ and an initial temperature of 30 °C. The bars are placed in contact inside an insulated container and allowed to reach thermal equilibrium. Which statement about the magnitude of each bar’s temperature change ∣ΔT∣\left|\Delta T\right| is most accurate? (a) ∣ΔT∣X=30 ∘C|\Delta T|_{\text{X}} = 30\,^{\circ}\text{C}; ∣ΔT∣Y=30 ∘C|\Delta T|_{\text{Y}} = 30\,^{\circ}\text{C} (b) ∣ΔT∣X=20 ∘C|\Delta T|_{\text{X}} = 20\,^{\circ}\text{C}; ∣ΔT∣Y=40 ∘C|\Delta T|_{\text{Y}} = 40\,^{\circ}\text{C} (c) ∣ΔT∣X=40 ∘C|\Delta T|_{\text{X}} = 40\,^{\circ}\text{C}; ∣ΔT∣Y=20 ∘C|\Delta T|_{\text{Y}} = 20\,^{\circ}\text{C} (d) ∣ΔT∣X=15 ∘C|\Delta T|_{\text{X}} = 15\,^{\circ}\text{C}; ∣ΔT∣Y=45 ∘C|\Delta T|_{\text{Y}} = 45\,^{\circ}\text{C}

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