What is the Total Heat Capacity of the Calorimeter?

In summary, the problem involves mixing 50ml of water at 49.6 C with 50ml of water at 25.1 C in a calorimeter also at 25.1 C. The final temperature is 30.1 C and assuming constant density and specific heat capacity, the total heat capacity of the calorimeter is calculated to be 118 K. However, this answer is incorrect and further calculations are needed.
  • #1
gogeta2006
2
0

Homework Statement



50ml of water at 49.6 C were mixed with 50ml of water at 25.1 C in a calorimeter also at 25.1 C. The final temperature was 30.1 C Assuming that neither the density of water nor its specific heat capacity change with temperature, calculate the total heat capacity of the calorimeter.


Homework Equations



Density of water = 1.00 g/mL
Specific heat capacity = 4.18 J / g * K

The Attempt at a Solution



q (heat given up by water) = 50ml * (49.6-30.1)
= 840 cal

q (heat absorbed by cold water) = 50ml (30.1-25.1)
= 250 cal

Heat absorbed by calorimeter = 250 + 840 = 1090 cal

Ccal = qcal / delta T
= 590 / (30.1-25.1)
= 118 K

The answer is supposed to be 493.24 J/K ... but i am not getting that.
Please someone please show me how to correct this.

Thank you.
 
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  • #2
Heat absorbed by calorimeter = 250 + 840 = 1090 cal
Woah!

Heat is lost from the hot water to the calorimeter AND the cold water. One cannot at the heat of the hot and cold water.

Try ΔQ(hot) = ΔQ(calorimeter) + ΔQ(cold)
 
  • #3
Astronuc said:
Woah!

Heat is lost from the hot water to the calorimeter AND the cold water. One cannot at the heat of the hot and cold water.

Try ΔQ(hot) = ΔQ(calorimeter) + ΔQ(cold)

I tried doing that and the answer is 118 (which is still INCORRECT)...i wrote plus there where it should be minus.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Show your detailed work then.
 

Related to What is the Total Heat Capacity of the Calorimeter?

What is total heat capacity and why is it important?

Total heat capacity is the measure of the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree. It is an important concept in thermodynamics as it helps us understand how materials respond to changes in temperature and their ability to store and release heat energy.

How is total heat capacity calculated?

Total heat capacity is calculated by multiplying the specific heat capacity of the substance by its mass and the change in temperature. The formula is C = m x c x ΔT, where C is the total heat capacity, m is the mass, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature.

What is the difference between specific heat capacity and total heat capacity?

Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one unit of mass of a substance by one degree, while total heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of the entire mass of a substance by one degree. In other words, specific heat capacity is a property of the substance itself, while total heat capacity takes into account the mass of the substance.

What are the units of measurement for total heat capacity?

The units of measurement for total heat capacity can vary depending on the system being used. In the metric system, the units are typically joules per kelvin (J/K), while in the British system, the units are typically British thermal units per degree Fahrenheit (BTU/°F).

How does the total heat capacity of a substance change with temperature?

The total heat capacity of a substance can change with temperature. In general, as the temperature increases, the total heat capacity also increases. This is because as the temperature rises, the substance's molecules have more energy and are more likely to absorb additional heat energy, thus increasing the total heat capacity.

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