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Multiple Choice
Which of the following formulas is used to calculate the heat energy (q) required to raise the temperature of a substance?
A
q = c / (m ΔT)
B
q = m c ΔT
C
q = m ΔT / c
D
q = m c / ΔT
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the heat energy (q) required to raise the temperature of a substance depends on three factors: the mass of the substance (m), the specific heat capacity (c), and the change in temperature (\( \Delta T \)).
Recall the formula that relates these quantities: heat energy is directly proportional to mass, specific heat capacity, and temperature change.
Write down the correct formula for heat energy: \( q = m \times c \times \Delta T \), where \( q \) is heat energy, \( m \) is mass, \( c \) is specific heat capacity, and \( \Delta T \) is the temperature change.
Note that the other given formulas are incorrect because they either divide instead of multiply or rearrange the terms improperly, which does not reflect the physical relationship between these variables.
Therefore, the formula \( q = m c \Delta T \) is the correct one to calculate the heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance.