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

9679 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the Doppler Effect?


In the Rutherford alpha scattering experiment, most particles passed straight through the foil with little or no deflection. What can be deduced about the structure of the atom from this?


Describe how a stationary wave is formed at a boundary?


What is the difference between linearly, directly and inversely proportional relationships?


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