Question 211 of 949
A 2000W electric heater is used to heat a metal object of mass 5kg initially at 10oC. If a temperature rise of 30oC is obtained after 10min, the heat capacity of the material is
- A. 6.0 x 104JoC-1
- B. 4.0 x 104JoC-1
- C. 1.2 x 104JoC-1
- D. 8.0 x 103JoC-1
Correct Answer:
D
Explanation
To determine the heat capacity of the metal object, we need to follow a systematic approach using the information provided in the question. Let's break it down step-by-step.
### Step 1: Understand the Problem
We have:
- Power of the heater (P) = 2000 W (watts)
- Mass of the metal object (m) = 5 kg
- Initial temperature (T_initial) = 10°C
- Final temperature (T_final) = 10°C + 30°C = 40°C
- Time (t) = 10 minutes = 10 × 60 seconds = 600 seconds
### Step 2: Calculate the Total Energy Supplied
The energy (Q) supplied by the heater can be calculated using the formula:
\[ Q = P \times t \]
Where:
- \( Q \) is the energy in joules (J)
- \( P \) is the power in watts (W)
- \( t \) is the time in seconds (s)
Substituting the values:
\[ Q = 2000 \, \text{W} \times 600 \, \text{s} = 1,200,000 \, \text{J} \]
So, the total energy supplied to the metal object is 1,200,000 J.
### Step 3: Calculate the Temperature Change
The temperature change (ΔT) is:
\[ \Delta T = T_{\text{final}} - T_{\text{initial}} = 40°C - 10°C = 30°C \]
### Step 4: Use the Heat Capacity Formula
The heat capacity (C) of the material can be calculated using the formula:
\[ Q = m \times C \times \Delta T \]
Where:
- \( Q \) is the heat energy supplied (in joules)
- \( m \) is the mass of the object (in kg)
- \( C \) is the heat capacity (in J/°C)
- \( \Delta T \) is the change in temperature (in °C)
Rearranging the formula to solve for C gives:
\[ C = \frac{Q}{m \times \Delta T} \]
### Step 5: Substitute the Values
Now, substituting the known values into the equation:
\[ C = \frac{1,200,000 \, \text{J}}{5 \, \text{kg} \times 30 \, \text{°C}} \]
Calculating the denominator:
\[ 5 \, \text{kg} \times 30 \, \text{°C} = 150 \, \text{kg°C} \]
Now substituting this back into the equation for C:
\[ C = \frac{1,200,000 \, \text{J}}{150 \, \text{kg°C}} = 8000 \, \text{J/°C} \]
### Final Answer
Thus, the heat capacity of the material is:
\[ C = 8.0 \times 10^3 \, \text{J/°C} \]
### Explanation of Options
- **Option A: 6.0 x 10^4 J/°C** - This value is too high and does not match our calculated heat capacity.
- **Option B: 4.0 x 10^4 J/°C** - This value is also too high and does not correspond to our calculations.
- **Option C: 1.2 x 10^4 J/°C** - This value is incorrect as it does not match the calculated heat capacity.
- **Option D: 8.0 x 10^3 J/°C** - This is the correct answer, as it matches our calculation.
### Common Pitfalls
- **Misunderstanding Units**: Ensure that you convert time into seconds when using the power in watts.
- **Forgetting to Calculate ΔT**: Always remember to find the change in temperature correctly.
- **Incorrect Rearrangement of Formulas**: Be careful when rearranging formulas to avoid mistakes.
### Revision Summary
- The energy supplied by the heater is calculated using \( Q = P \times t \).
- The temperature change is found by subtracting the initial temperature from the final temperature.
- The heat capacity is calculated using \( C = \frac{Q}{m \times \Delta T} \).
- The correct answer for the heat capacity of the material is \( 8.0 \times 10^3 \, \text{J/°C} \).