Exam-style question
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What is the specific heat capacity of a substance if 5000 J of energy is required to raise the temperature of 2 kg of the substance by 10 °C?.
- A.250 J/kg°C
- B.500 J/kg°C
- C.1000 J/kg°C
- D.2000 J/kg°C
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- 250 J/kg°C
Explanation
Why this works
To find the specific heat capacity (c), we use the formula E = m x c x Δθ. Rearranging gives c = E / (m x Δθ).
Substituting E = 5000 J, m = 2 kg, and Δθ = 10 °C: c = 5000 / (2 x 10) = 250 J/kg°C. Thus, the specific heat capacity is 250 J/kg°C.
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