Question

What exactly is m × c × ΔT.

Answer 1

This is the second half of the equation for the change in heat of a substance.
\[\Delta Q = mc \Delta T\]
Where 'm' is the mass of the substance, 'c' is the specific heat capacity of the substance, and ΔT is the change in temperature of the substance.

Answer 2

now the ΔT how is that exactly determined?

Answer 3

ΔT = final temperature - initial temperature

Answer 4

i know it would probably beb better if we had an equation, but just a general definition. iam trying to build notes for a test.

Answer 5

That works.

Answer 6

Yep. ^-^

Answer 7

So, like, if some water increased from 0° C to 20° C, the ΔT will be 20° C - 0° C = 20° C

Answer 8

this might count as a whole different question but what exactly does this equation mean? qwater = m × c × ΔT

Answer 9

It tells us the amount of heat gained or lost by a substance, by means of changing temperature. If something increases in temperature, it absorbs heat, and ΔQ is positive.
If something decreases in temperature, it loses heat to its surrounding, and ΔQ is negative.

Answer 10

Ok that makes sense i keep seeing that triangle symbol does it have an exact definition

Answer 11

OH, yes, of course. xD
Δ <-- This is the Greek letter delta, uppercase.
In sciences, we use it to represent the change of something.
ΔT is the change in temperature, ΔQ is the change in heat, etc.

Answer 12

Ok so basically the the triangle basically states"the change of" and that being what other letter is ahead of it.

Answer 13

Exactly.

Answer 14

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5ilIdgMCgk

Answer 15

so when i have q water it is asking for the change in heat of the water?

Answer 16

or the heat of the water

Answer 17

Yes, basically. The equation might not have the delta in front of the Q.
But it'll still mean the change in heat.
Also, a good thing to remember is the specific heat capacity of water, which is 4.179 J/(g °C)

Answer 18

ok one last question for now regarding q.. qwater = qmetal means they have the same temperature?

Answer 19

ive got to do a hands on lab and have to calculate so im making notes to do such.

Answer 20

Err, that's almost right. The correct form should be like this:
\[-Q_{water} = Q_{metal}\]
In this case, the the water is transferring heat to the metal, increasing it's temperature. Therefore, the water loses heat.

These two heats will be equal at some equilibrium final temperature.

Answer 21

ooohhh ok that makes sense. Thanks ill probably be back for some calculation help once i have done the lab!!!

Answer 22

Alright, good luck. :)