Physics Technology Update (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32190-308-0
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-308-2

Chapter 16 - Temperature and Heat - Conceptual Questions - Page 565: 11

Answer

If both objects have the same specific heat, the less massive one will experience greater $\Delta T$. If they have the same mass, the one with the lesser specific heat will experience a greater $\Delta T$.

Work Step by Step

From the equation for specific heat, $c=\displaystyle \frac{Q}{m\Delta T}$, we express $\displaystyle \Delta T=\frac{Q}{mc}.$ With Q being constant, the temperature difference depends on the term $mc.$ So, if both objects have the same specific heat, the less massive one will experience a greater $\Delta T$. If they have the same mass, the one with the lesser specific heat will experience a greater $\Delta T$.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.