You are given a sample of metal and asked to determine its specific heat. You weigh the sample and find that its weight is 30.0 N. You carefully add 1.25×10^4 J of heat energy to the sample and find that its temperature rises 15.0 °C. What is the sample's specific heat?

272.33 J/Kg°C

Explanation:

Data obtained from the question include the following:

Weight of metal = 30 N

Heat used (Q) = 1.25×10⁴ J

Change in temperature (ΔT) = 15.0 °C.

Specific heat capacity (C) =..?

Next, we shall determine the mass of the metal.

The mass of the metal can be obtained as follow:

Weight (W) = mass (m) x acceleration due to gravity (g)

W = mg

Weight of metal = 30 N

Acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s²

Mass (m) =..?

W = mg

30 = m x 9.8

Divide both side by 9.8

m = 30/9.8

m = 3.06 Kg

Finally, we shall determine the specific heat capacity of the metal as show below:

Heat used (Q) = 1.25×10⁴ J

Change in temperature (ΔT) = 15.0 °C.

Mass (m) = 3.06 Kg

Specific heat capacity (C) =..?

Q = mCΔT

1.25×10⁴ = 3.06 x C x 15

Divide both side by 3.06 x 15

C = (1.25×10⁴) / (3.06 x 15)

C = 272.33 J/Kg°C

Therefore, the specific heat capacity of metal is 272.33 J/Kg°C.