Question

10.0 g of fuel are burned under a calorimeter (container that measures energy flow) containing 200 g of water. The temperature of the water increases from 15.0oC to 55.0oC. Calculate the amount of heat released by the fuel per 1 gram of the fuel.

Answer 1

Answer : The amount of heat released by the fuel per 1 gram of the fuel is 3344 J.

Explanation :

Heat released by the fuel = Heat absorbed by the water

Formula used :

$Q=m\times c\times \Delta T$

or,

$Q=m\times c\times (T_2-T_1)$

where,

Q = heat absorbed = ?

m = mass of water = 200 g

c = specific heat of water = $4.18J/g^oC$

$T_1$ = initial temperature  = $15.0^oC$

$T_2$ = final temperature  = $55.0^oC$

Now put all the given value in the above formula, we get:

$Q=200g\times 4.18J/g^oC\times (55.0-15.0)^oC$

$Q=33440J$

Thus, the heat absorbed by the water is 33440 J.

As, Heat released by the fuel = Heat absorbed by the water = 33440 J

Now we have to calculate the amount of heat released by the fuel per 1 gram of the fuel.

As, 10.0 grams of fuel released heat = 33440 J

So, 1 grams of fuel released heat = $\frac{33440}{10.0}=3344J$

Hence, the amount of heat released by the fuel per 1 gram of the fuel is 3344 J.