A 0.5 kg sample of water has specific heat capacity 4200 J/(kg °C). Calculate the energy needed to raise its temperature by 15 °C.

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Accepted Answer

Final answer: 31500 J Specific heat capacity gives the energy needed per kilogram for each degree of temperature rise, so use Q = mcΔT. Substitute the mass, specific heat capacity and temperature change: Q = 0.5 kg × 4200 J/(kg °C) × 15 °C. The kg and °C units cancel, giving Q = 31500 J. A temperature interval has the same numerical size in kelvin and degrees Celsius. Check: the energy is positive because the sample is heated, and a larger mass or temperature rise would require proportionally more energy.

Heating water

A 0.5 kg sample of water has specific heat capacity 4200 J/(kg °C). Calculate the energy needed to raise its temperature by 15 °C.

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