Thermodynamics Lesson 5: Specific Heat
The units of heat are: Joules Calories BTU’s
Specific heat The amount of energy it takes, per unit mass, to raise the temperature of a material by one degree
The specific heat of water is 1 calorie per gram In other words, if you add one calorie of heat to one gram of water, the temperature will go up one degree C. (scientists like nice even numbers like this) (Also, scientists like to base things on water)
Scientists use calories BTU’s are units in the English system
Water has a high specific heat Specific heats of materials Substance specific heat water 1.00 Ice 0.493 Benzene 0.416 Methanol 0.586 ethanol 0.584 aluminum 0.215 Carbon 0.170 silver 0.052 gold 0.031 That is why it is used as a coolant … like in the radiator of your car
Heat follows the Law of Conservation of Energy Heat (thermal energy) cannot be created or destroyed. When two things are exchanging heat energy, the total amount of energy must remain the same. Heat lost by tea = heat gained by ice No net loss of heat energy
A Problem One liter of water at 10°C is added to 1 liter of water at 80°C. What is the final temperature of the mixture? a. 10°C b. 90°C c. 5°C d. 45°C Is wrong because the mixture cannot be the same temperature of either one. Is wrong because the mixture cannot be hotter than the hottest one. Is wrong because the mixture cannot colder than the coldest one. Is right … it is half way between the two temperatures. First, subtract the two temperatures. 80 – 10 = 70 Then, divide that by the number of liters 70 / 2 = 35 Then, add that to the lowest temperature 10 + 35 = 45
Another problem One liter of water at 10°C is added to 2 liter of water at 100°C. What is the final temperature of the mixture? Hmmmm…it must be between 10 and 100. Subtract the two temperatures 100 – 10 = 90 There are 3 liters total, so divide 90 by 3 90 / 3 = 30 Each liter will be raised 30 degrees or lowered 30 degrees. Add 60 degrees to 10 degrees 10 + 60 = 70 OR Subtract 30 degrees from 100 degrees 100 – 60 = 70 The final temperature is 70