Thermal Energy and Specific Heat

The video tutorial explains how thermal energy absorption increases temperature and introduces the equation for calculating heat absorbed. It defines specific heat capacity and compares the capacities of water and sand, highlighting water's role in moderating temperature. A practice problem is presented to determine if a substance is gold by calculating its specific heat capacity, concluding that the substance is not gold.

What happens to a system's temperature when it absorbs thermal energy?

• It decreases.

• It remains constant.

• It increases.

• It fluctuates randomly.

Which of the following equations is used to calculate the heat absorbed by a system?

• Heat = mass × specific heat capacity × change in temperature

• Heat = mass + specific heat capacity + change in temperature

• Heat = mass - specific heat capacity - change in temperature

• Heat = mass / specific heat capacity / change in temperature

What is the specific heat capacity of water?

• 0.84 joules per gram degree Celsius

• 2.00 joules per gram degree Celsius

• 4.18 joules per gram degree Celsius

• 1.00 joules per gram degree Celsius

Why does sand have a larger temperature difference between day and night compared to water?

• Sand is more reflective than water.

• Sand absorbs more sunlight than water.

• Sand has a higher specific heat capacity than water.

• Sand has a lower specific heat capacity than water.

What is the mass of the sample used in the example problem?

• 6.2 grams

• 3.5 grams

• 5.0 grams

• 4.7 grams

What is the initial temperature of the substance in the example problem?

• 30° C

• 25° C

• 57° C

• 20° C

How do you rearrange the heat equation to solve for specific heat capacity?

• Specific heat capacity = mass / (heat × change in temperature)

• Specific heat capacity = heat / (mass × change in temperature)

• Specific heat capacity = change in temperature / (heat × mass)

• Specific heat capacity = heat × mass × change in temperature

What is the calculated specific heat capacity of the sample in the example problem?

• 4.18 joules per gram degree Celsius

• 1.00 joules per gram degree Celsius

• 0.84 joules per gram degree Celsius

• 0.38 joules per gram degree Celsius