Question

A piece of iron (C=0.449 J/g°C) and a piece of gold (C=0.128 J/g°C) have identical masses. If the iron has an initial temperature of 498 K and the gold has an initial temperature of 298 K, which of the following statements is TRUE of the outcome when the two metals are placed in contact with one another? Assume no heat is lost to the surroundings.
a. Since the two metals have the same mass, the final temperature of the two metals will be 398 K, exactly half way in between the two initial temperatures. b. Since the two metals have the same mass, but the specific heat capacity of iron is much greater than that of gold, the final temperature of the two metals will be closer to 498 K than to 298 K. c. Since the two metals have the same mass, the thermal energy contained in the iron and gold after reaching thermal equilibrium will be the same. d. Since the two metals have the same mass, but the specific heat capacity of gold is much smaller than that of iron, the final temperature of the two metals will be closer to 298 K than to 498 K. e. None of the above are true.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is B. Since the two metals have the same mass, but the specific heat capacity of iron is much greater than that of gold, the final temperature of the two metals will be closer to 498 K than to 298 K

Explanation:

Iron is hotter and gold is colder, therefore, according to laws of thermodynamics, iron will lose heat to gold until they are at the same temperature.

The specific heat capacity of iron(0.449) is over three times that of gold(0.128). Since masses are equal, this means that each time iron's temperature drops by one degree, the energy released it releases makes gold's temperature increase by more than 3 degrees. So gold's temperature will be climbing much faster than iron's is falling. Meaning they will meet closer to the initial temperature of iron than that of gold