A calorimeter contains 72.0 g of water at 19.2 oC. A 141 g piece of metal is heated to 89.0 oC and dropped into the water. The entire system eventually reaches 25.5 oC . What is the specific heat of the metal?

The specific heat of the metal is 0.212 J/(g°C).

Explanation:

We can calculate the specific heat of the metal by the following equilibrium:

In the above equation, we have that the heat loses by the metal (b) is gained by the water (a).

: is the water's mass = 72.0 g

: is the specific heat of water = 4.184 J/(g°C)            

: is the initial temperature of the water = 19.2 °C

: is the final temperature of the water = 25.5 °C

: is the metal's mass = 141 g

: is the specific heat of metal =?

: is the initial temperature of the metal = 89.0 °C

: is the final temperature of the water = 25.5 °C

Therefore, the specific heat of the metal is 0.212 J/(g°C).

I hope it helps you!

particle   p is an electron and particle q is a neutron