Question detail

A 2 kg block of metal is heated, and the temperature increases by 15 °C. If the energy transferred to the block is 4500 J, calculate the specific heat capacity of the metal (Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity)

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At a glance

Question

Type

exam_style

Style

Topic

Internal energy and energy transfers

Question

A 2 kg block of metal is heated, and the temperature increases by 15 °C. If the energy transferred to the block is 4500 J, calculate the specific heat capacity of the metal (Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity)

Answer

150 J/kg°C

Explanation

Practical lens: Link apparatus, readings, and uncertainty to the exact measurement named in the objective. This question asks: A 2 kg block of metal is heated, and the temperature increases by 15 °C. If the energy transferred to the block is 4500 J, calculate the specific heat capacity of the metal (Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity). The correct response is 150 J/kg°C, because density links mass and volume, so the answer must preserve which quantity is being calculated. In Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity, the marking point should connect directly to calculate specific heat capacity when energy change, mass and temperature change are known. If the question includes values, the working must keep the appropriate unit and operation; if it is an explanation, it must name the relevant particle behaviour or energy change. This item belongs to Internal energy and energy transfers, so avoid answers that switch to a different quantity, confuse heat with temperature, or describe gas pressure without collisions when collisions are the reason. Checkpoint 314 is distinct because it uses this exact question context and the practical lens rather than a generic particle-model sentence.

Common mistake

Confusing Specific Heat Capacity with Thermal Energy

Students often confuse specific heat capacity with the total thermal energy transferred, thinking they are the same concept.

Remember that specific heat capacity is the energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one degree Celsius, while thermal energy is the total energy transferred in a process.

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A 2 kg block of metal is heated, and the temperature increases | AQA Physics | ExamCompanion