An electrical heater supplies 500J of heat energy to a copper cylinder of mass 32.4g Find the increase in temperature of the cylinder. (Specific heat capacity of copper = 385 J*kg^-1*Celsius^-1

The temperature of a body of mass m and specific heat capacity c rises by change in temperature (delta)T when an amount of heat Q is added to it (Q = mc(delta)T). From the equation we see that the change in temperature is simply equal to the heat divided by the mass times the specific heat capacity of copper ((delta)T = Q / m*c). Now we can just plug in the numbers to find the answer. (Note that the mass is not given in SI units and we have to convert it 32.4g = 0.0324kg). From here follows that the increase in temperature is equal to 500 / 0.0324 * 385 or 40.0834, which we can round to 40.1 degrees Celsius.

VB
Answered by Viktoria B. Physics tutor

9447 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the threshold wavelength for a metal surface with work function of 6.2 eV.


Define the resistivity of a metal wire


Derive an expression to show that for satellites in a circular orbit T² ∝ r ³ where T is the period of orbit and r is the radius of the orbit.


A ball is thrown vertically downwards at a speed of 10ms^-1 from a height of 10m. Upon hitting the floor 10% of the energy is dissipated through waste heat. What is the heighest point the ball reaches before it comes to rest? Take g=10ms^-2


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning