LET’S TRY ONE
Use Q = mcΔT. A 10 g sample with c = 2 J/(g·°C) warms by 3°C. What energy is transferred to it?
60 J
10 × 2 × 3 = 60 J.
Learning steps & teaching tips
Apply Q = mcΔT with supplied values and distinguish temperature change from total energy transfer.
- Record the mass, specific heat and temperature change.
- Apply Q = mcΔT with consistent units.
- Keep model assumptions, such as no other energy transfer, explicit.
Try it together
Compare two equal-mass samples with different supplied heat capacities. Calculate the energy needed for the same temperature rise and explain the difference.
Use the supplied mass and specific heat capacity; ΔT is the final temperature minus the initial temperature.