Jon is a scientist researching the heat value of coal. Which heat measurement should he use?

• A. Specific heat capacity
• B. Calorific value
• C. Latent heat of fusion
• D. Enthalpy of vaporization

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: Jon is researching the heat value of coal, which means he wants to know how much energy is released when coal is burned.
2. Recall definitions: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1 degree Celsius; latent heat of fusion is the heat required to change a substance from solid to liquid at its melting point; enthalpy of vaporization is the heat required to convert a liquid into vapor at its boiling point.
3. Identify the relevant concept: The heat value of coal refers to the energy released during combustion, which is measured by the calorific value (also called heating value).
4. Calorific value is defined as the amount of heat produced by the complete combustion of a unit mass of fuel, typically expressed in units like kJ/g or MJ/kg.
5. Therefore, Jon should use the calorific value to measure the heat energy content of coal.