Heat transfer is the process of energy exchange due to a temperature difference. In calculations like this, understanding how to determine the amount of heat exchanged is crucial. The specific heat capacity is the key property that allows us to relate the mass, temperature change, and energy exchanged.
To perform a heat transfer calculation, use the equation:
- \( q = mc\Delta T \)
- \( q \) is the heat absorbed or released (in joules).
- \( m \) is the mass (in grams, once converted).
- \( c \) is the specific heat capacity (in J/g-K).
- \( \Delta T \) is the change in temperature (in K or °C).
In our exercise, we applied this formula to find out how much energy is needed to raise the temperature of iron. By plugging in the mass, specific heat, and temperature change, we calculated the heat required. Thus, solving \( q = (1050 \text{ g})(0.450 \text{ J/g-K})(63.5 \text{ K}) = 29925 \text{ J} \).
Understanding heat transfer calculations is helpful in many scientific applications and everyday situations, such as predicting energy use in heating systems.