I'm doing some heat problems from 4A. I've noticed that to calculate q, sometimes you do q = mass x specific heat capacity x delta T. Other times, it's just q = specific heat capacity x delta T. When do you know to multiply mass or not?
Thanks
Calculating q
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Re: Calculating q
It may differ depending on if they ask for heat capacity, specific heat capacity, or molar heat capacity. Depending on the wording, it may ask for different values.
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Re: Calculating q
If the heat capacity is given, the m and n aren't in the equation. This is because specific heat capacity is given per mass unit, molar heat capacity is given per mole, and heat capacity is simply J/K.
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Re: Calculating q
I think that what you're getting mixed up is heat capacity (symbol is capital "C") and specific heat capacity (in high school for me it was "c" but Prof Lavelle and the book are using Cs). C = Cs*m and q = C*ΔT, so when you plug Cs*m into q = C*ΔT, you get q = Cs*m*ΔT
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Re: Calculating q
it depends on if you're calculating heat capacity, specific heat capacity, or molar heat capacity
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Re: Calculating q
Check to see what you are given. Based on whether you are solving for specific heat capacity or q, then you would know whether or not to use the mass
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