Heat Capacity and Temperature Change

In summary, based on the given information, two metals of identical masses and initial temperatures are dropped into water with a lower temperature. Both the water and metals have the same mass, but one metal has a higher heat capacity. It is therefore likely that this metal will release more energy into the water and affect its temperature more. However, the exact change in temperature will depend on how long after dropping the samples into the water the temperatures are measured. If measured at different times, the metals may end up with different final temperatures due to the water warming and the metal cooling.
  • #1
Qube
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Homework Statement



Two metals of identical masses and initial temperatures are dropped into water which has a lower temperature than the metals. Both the water and the metals have the same mass.

One metal has a higher heat capacity than the other metal.

Which metal will change the water temperature the most?

Homework Equations



q=mcΔt

The Attempt at a Solution



Because it appears that all variables to the right of "q" are equal except c, it appears that the metal with the higher heat capacity will result in a higher "q" - it will release more energy into the water (since the water is cooler and heat flows from objects of higher to lower heat).

Therefore, it appears that the metal with the higher heat capacity will affect the temperature of the water more.
 
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  • #2
Therefore, it appears that the metal with the higher heat capacity will affect the temperature of the water more.
That sounds right.

Because it appears that all variables to the right of "q" are equal except c, it appears that the metal with the higher heat capacity will result in a higher "q" - it will release more energy into the water (since the water is cooler and heat flows from objects of higher to lower heat).
That does not sound quite right. Δt will likely not be identical for the different samples.

(This could be made into a trick question, but as it stands I think it is meant to be straightforward.)
 
  • #3
NascentOxygen said:
That does not sound quite right. Δt will likely not be identical for the different samples.
? Why not? How could they end up with different temperatures?

AM
 
  • #4
Andrew Mason said:
? Why not? How could they end up with different temperatures?

AM

The problem is not specific about when the temperatures are measured after dropping the samples into the water. Is it one second after? One minute? When everything has reached thermal equilibrium?
 
  • #5
Andrew Mason said:
? Why not? How could they end up with different temperatures?
The water warms while the metal cools. I assume separate cooling vessels.
 

Related to Heat Capacity and Temperature Change

1. What is the difference between heat capacity and specific heat?

Heat capacity is a measure of the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of a substance by a certain amount, while specific heat is a measure of the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by a certain amount.

2. How does heat capacity affect temperature change?

The higher the heat capacity, the more heat is required to raise the temperature of an object. This means that substances with a higher heat capacity will experience smaller changes in temperature for a given amount of heat energy.

3. Can heat capacity change with temperature?

Yes, heat capacity can change with temperature. In most cases, the heat capacity of a substance will increase as the temperature increases. This is because the particles in the substance have more energy to absorb and therefore require more heat energy to raise their temperature.

4. How is heat capacity measured?

Heat capacity is typically measured in units of joules per degree Celsius (J/°C) or joules per Kelvin (J/K). It can be determined experimentally by measuring the change in temperature of a substance when a known amount of heat energy is added.

5. What factors can affect the heat capacity of a substance?

The heat capacity of a substance can be affected by factors such as its mass, composition, phase or state of matter, and temperature. Additionally, the presence of impurities or other substances can also affect the heat capacity.

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