Physics 5054 · O Level · Specific heat capacity

Specific heat capacity — practice question

A metal can and a plastic bottle, each filled with liquid, are cooled by standing them in a jug of melting ice, as shown in Fig. 4.1. Each container holds $330\,\text{g}$ of the same liquid at $15\,^{\circ}\text{C}$.
(a)[2]

The liquid has a specific heat capacity of $4.2\,\text{J}\,(\text{g}\,^{\circ}\text{C})^{-1}$. Calculate the thermal energy transferred out when $330\,\text{g}$ of this liquid cools from $15\,^{\circ}\text{C}$ to $2\,^{\circ}\text{C}$.

(b)[2]

If water at $0\,^{\circ}\text{C}$ is put in the jug instead of melting ice, the cooling happens more slowly. Explain why the cooling is quicker with melting ice in the jug than with water at $0\,^{\circ}\text{C}$.

(c)[1]

The liquid in the metal can cools more quickly than the liquid in the plastic bottle. Suggest a reason for this.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 5-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Apply H = mcΔT

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