The initial temperature of 0.1kg of sand is 25 degree Celcius, If 840 J of heat is transferred to it, what is the final temperature of the sand? Repeat the calculation with the same mass of water. Which one reaches a higher final temperature? Given the specific heat capacity of sand is 840 J/kg/degree Celcius. and the specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J / kg / degree Celcius
E=mcΔT
840 = (0.1)(840)(Tf-25)
Tf = 35℃
The final temperature of sand is 35℃
840 = (0.1)(4200)(Tf-25)
Tf = 27℃
The final temperature of water is 27℃
The energy offered for sand can heat up to 35℃
But for water,it can only heat up to 27℃
So sand reaches a higher final temperature at a faster time when all the condition are the same except the specific heat capacity of substances.
when all the condition are the same except the specific heat capacity of substances,we can compare the specific heat capacity directly. The smaller the specific heat capacity can be heat up more easily.