Respuesta :
We can't directly calculate the thermal capacity of the block (often denoted by C) from the given information. However, we can determine the heat energy supplied to the block (Q) and use it to find the effective heat capacity (C_eff). Here's how:
Energy supplied by the heater:
First, calculate the electrical power delivered by the heater (P):
P = V * I = 12 V * 3 A = 36 W
Then, convert the time from minutes to seconds:
Time (t) = 23 minutes * 60 seconds/minute = 1380 seconds
Now, calculate the total energy transferred (Q):
Q = P * t = 36 W * 1380 s = 49,680 J (Joules)
Assuming ideal heat transfer:
We can assume that all the electrical energy supplied by the heater is transferred to the block as thermal energy (assuming a well-insulated system and negligible heat loss).
Effective heat capacity:
The temperature change of the block is ΔT = 70°C - 20°C = 50°C
However, the block might not be the only thing absorbing heat. The container holding the block, the measuring device (thermometer), and any other surrounding materials could also absorb some heat. So, we are calculating an effective heat capacity (C_eff) that accounts for everything gaining heat, not just the block itself.
We can use the formula for heat transfer:
Q = C_eff * ΔT
Rearrange the formula to solve for C_eff:
C_eff = Q / ΔT = 49,680 J / 50°C = 993.6 J/°C
Therefore, the effective heat capacity of the system (including the metal block) is approximately 993.6 J/°C.
Note: To determine the specific heat capacity of the metal block itself (material property), we would need the mass of the block. With the mass (m), we could calculate the specific heat capacity (c) using the formula:
c = Q / (m * ΔT)
