In one experiment, the temperature of 50 g of water increased from 22.0 °C to 38.4 °C. The mass of alcohol burned was 0.8 g. Calculate the heat energy (Q) in joules, released by burning 0.8 g of the alcohol.

Key Equation: Q = mcΔT Where: Q = heat transferred (J), m = mass of substance which is heated (g), c = heat capacity of water (J g-1 °C -1) and ΔT = temperature change for heated substance (°C) . c = 4.2 J g-1 °C -1 Heat energy is transferred to the water because alcohol burning releases heat. Hence, 'm' = the mass of the water heated. ΔT = 38.4 °C - 22.0 °C = 16.4 °C Substitute values into the Key Equation. I would recommend always including units in calculations, it will help us avoid errors. Q =  50 g x 4.2 J g-1 °C -1 x 16.4 °C = 3444 J 

DB
Answered by David B. Chemistry tutor

12228 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain, in terms of its structure, why graphite is able to be used as a lubricant


Why doesn't the concentration of products or reactants change when a reaction is at dynamic equilibrium?


Explain why chlorine is more reactive than iodine.


Why is chlorine more reactive than iodine?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning