Let's Do the Math!
Today we are going to test your math skills and apply them to chemistry. Sounds fun right?!?! Below is a data table with the information you will need to properly set up your equation. Use Trial 1 in Model 3
This is the equation that you should use when setting up your data.
Above is all the info that you need to solve for the specific heat of mercury. We’ll help you out with the meaning of each variable.
q= the amount of added energy (Joules)
m= mass (g)
= change in temperature (degrees Celsius)
c= specific heat capacity of element
Go ahead and attempt to solve this problem!
Here are three possible answers you may have come up with. Click on the answer you got!
B. .14 J/g degree C
Congratulations if you got the right answer! If not follow below for a step-by-step how to solve this problem.
Step 1
Decide which set of data you are going to work with. For this example we will be using Trial 1’s data.
Step 2
Put the correct numbers into the equation.
Q=MCDeltaT
1,000 J = (200.0 g)(C)(71.0 degree C)
Step 3
Get C by itself.
C= (1,000 J)/(100.0 g)(71.0 degree C)
Step 4
Do the math to get B=.14 J/g degree C
Step 5
Pat yourself on the back and go click that right answer you deserve it.
Want to see something cool? Try this same problem with the data from Trial 2 and see what you get.