how do i find the specific heat capacity of a brass block given that the initial temperature of water is 24C, final temp of the water is 35C, initial temp of the block is 100C and the final temp of the block is 35C?? i'm not sure what to use as the S.H.C of water. i know that the formula is mass x shc x change in temp of water = mass x shc x change in temp of the block? can anyone tell me what to use for the SHC of the water??

Question

anonymous · Answer

SHC for water is 1

anonymous · Answer

really? i found it to be 4.2

anonymous · Answer

there is difference of unit
SHC for water = 1cal/gm c = 4.2 joule/gm c

anonymous · Answer

Since the units of specific heat capacity aren't given, you can use either 1 cal/g°C or 4.2 J/g°C.  My personal preference is for 4.2 J/g°C.

mrnood · Answer

I assume you know the mass of the water, and the block.

I would use the units which are the same as the units given for the brass.

In general you will find the SI units (Joules etc.) are easier to work with and require fewer conversion factors.

(Also note that the SI unit for mass is the kg (not the g),and for deltaT is the Kelvin (K) not degC so the SI unit for specific heat capacity is J/kg K)