Question detail

If 2 kg of water is heated from 20°C to 100°C, what is the change in thermal energy if the specific heat capacity of water is 4.2 J/kg°C?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Energy changes in a system, and the ways energy is stored before and after such changes

Question

  1. A. 672 J
  2. B. 840 J
  3. C. 1680 J
  4. D. 8400 J

Answer

672 J

Explanation

The correct option is "672 J". 672 J is right because it directly matches Energy changes in systems: Apply the equation change in thermal energy = mass x specific heat capacity x temperature change.. The other options are less suitable because they change the required Physics relationship, confuse the relevant energy store or use a distractor that does not answer the question.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Thermal Energy Changes

Students often confuse the equation for change in thermal energy with the equation for specific heat capacity, forgetting to multiply by temperature change.

To fix this, remember that the equation is change in thermal energy = mass x specific heat capacity x temperature change. Ensure you include all three components in your calculations.

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application MCQ 3: heat capacity x temperature… | Energy changes… | ExamCompanion