How do you calculate specific heat capacity of an unknown metal?
To calculate the capacity of a substance, use the formula ##Q = m C Delta T##
where Q is the quantity of heat (energy) needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C, measured in J;
m is the mass of the substance, in kg;
C is the specific heat capacity of the material, in ##J/(kg * °C)##; and
##Delta T## is the temperature change, in °C.
If you are looking for the specific heat capacity (C), you will need to isolate it by dividing both sides by ##m Delta T##.
Example:
##2.34 times 10^4## J of heat are added to 2.0 kg of an unknown metal to cause a temperature change of ##90.0° C##. What is the specific heat capacity of the unknown metal?
##C = Q / (m Delta T)##
##C = (2.34 times 10^4 J) / (2.0 kg times 90.0° C)##
##C = 1.30 times 10^2 J/(kg * °C)##
You can easily look up on a chart of specific heat capacities this value, to find that this metal is (most likely) lead.
