A Chemist Places A 100 G Cube Of Each Of The Metals Listed In The Table On A Separate Hot Plate. Based On The Specific Heat Values In The Table, Rank The Metals In Terms Of How Quickly They Will Reach The Target Temperature Of $80^{\circ} C$.

Introduction

When it comes to heating metals, the rate at which they reach a target temperature is influenced by their specific heat capacity. This property determines the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by a given amount. In this article, we will explore how to rank metals based on their specific heat values and determine which ones will reach a target temperature of $80^{\circ} C$ the quickest.

Understanding Specific Heat Capacity

Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius (or Kelvin). It is an important property that helps us understand how different materials respond to changes in temperature. The specific heat capacity of a substance is typically denoted by the symbol $c$ and is usually expressed in units of joules per kilogram per degree Celsius (J/kg°C).

The Table of Metals

The following table lists the specific heat values for various metals:

Ranking the Metals

To rank the metals in terms of how quickly they will reach the target temperature of $80^{\circ} C$, we need to consider their specific heat capacities. The metal with the lowest specific heat capacity will require the least amount of heat energy to reach the target temperature, making it the quickest to heat up.

Step 1: Identify the Metal with the Lowest Specific Heat Capacity

The metal with the lowest specific heat capacity is Lead, with a value of 0.128 J/kg°C. This means that lead will require the least amount of heat energy to reach the target temperature of $80^{\circ} C$.

Step 2: Identify the Metal with the Highest Specific Heat Capacity

The metal with the highest specific heat capacity is Aluminum, with a value of 0.904 J/kg°C. This means that aluminum will require the most amount of heat energy to reach the target temperature of $80^{\circ} C$.

Ranking the Metals from Quickest to Slowest

Based on their specific heat capacities, the metals can be ranked from quickest to slowest as follows:

1. Lead (0.128 J/kg°C)
2. Tin (0.227 J/kg°C)
3. Silver (0.235 J/kg°C)
4. Gold (0.129 J/kg°C)
5. Copper (0.385 J/kg°C)
6. Zinc (0.388 J/kg°C)
7. Iron (0.449 J/kg°C)
8. Aluminum (0.904 J/kg°C)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the metal that will reach the target temperature of $80^{\circ} C$ the quickest is Lead, followed by Tin, Silver, Gold, Copper, Zinc, Iron, and Aluminum. This ranking is based on the specific heat capacities of the metals, which determine the amount of heat energy required to raise their temperatures by a given amount.

References

• [1] CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition.
• [2] Wikipedia: Specific heat capacity.

Additional Information

• The specific heat capacity of a substance is an important property that helps us understand how it responds to changes in temperature.
• The metal with the lowest specific heat capacity will require the least amount of heat energy to reach a target temperature.
• The metal with the highest specific heat capacity will require the most amount of heat energy to reach a target temperature.
  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) =====================================

Q: What is specific heat capacity, and why is it important?

A: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius (or Kelvin). It is an important property that helps us understand how different materials respond to changes in temperature.

Q: How do you calculate specific heat capacity?

A: Specific heat capacity is calculated by dividing the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by the mass of the substance and the change in temperature.

Q: What are some common applications of specific heat capacity?

A: Specific heat capacity has many practical applications, including:

• Heating and cooling systems: Understanding specific heat capacity helps us design more efficient heating and cooling systems.
• Thermal energy storage: Specific heat capacity is used to determine the amount of thermal energy that can be stored in a substance.
• Materials science: Specific heat capacity is used to study the thermal properties of materials and their behavior under different conditions.

Q: Can you give some examples of materials with high and low specific heat capacities?

A: Yes, here are some examples:

• High specific heat capacity:

• Water: 4.184 J/g°C
• Concrete: 880 J/kg°C
• Brick: 840 J/kg°C

• Low specific heat capacity:

• Copper: 0.385 J/g°C
• Aluminum: 0.904 J/g°C
• Lead: 0.128 J/g°C

Q: How does specific heat capacity affect the performance of a material?

A: Specific heat capacity can affect the performance of a material in several ways:

• Thermal conductivity: Materials with high specific heat capacity tend to have lower thermal conductivity, meaning they are less effective at conducting heat.
• Heat capacity: Materials with high specific heat capacity tend to have higher heat capacity, meaning they can store more thermal energy.
• Thermal expansion: Materials with high specific heat capacity tend to have lower thermal expansion, meaning they expand less with temperature changes.

Q: Can you give some examples of real-world applications of specific heat capacity?

A: Yes, here are some examples:

• Automotive industry: Understanding specific heat capacity helps car manufacturers design more efficient cooling systems and thermal management systems.
• Aerospace industry: Specific heat capacity is used to study the thermal properties of materials used in aircraft and spacecraft.
• Medical devices: Specific heat capacity is used to design medical devices such as thermometers and heat transfer systems.

Q: How can I measure specific heat capacity?

A: There are several methods to measure specific heat capacity, including:

• Calorimetry: This involves measuring the heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance.
• Thermal analysis: This involves measuring the thermal properties of a substance using techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TGA).

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with specific heat capacity?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when working with specific heat capacity include:

• Incorrect units: Make sure to use the correct units for specific heat capacity, such as J/kg°C or J/g°C.
• Incorrect calculations: Double-check your calculations to ensure that you are using the correct formula and values.
• Ignoring thermal conductivity: Don't forget to consider thermal conductivity when working with specific heat capacity.