Multiple Choice
Which of the following substances would retain the most heat for the longest period of time, assuming equal masses and identical heating conditions?
32
views
8. Thermochemistry
Heat Capacity
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following substances has the greatest heat capacity per gram?
A
Copper (Cu)
B
Ethanol (C_2H_5OH)
C
Aluminum (Al)
D
Water (H_2O)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that heat capacity per gram refers to the specific heat capacity, which is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius (or Kelvin).
Recall that metals like copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al) generally have lower specific heat capacities compared to substances like water and organic compounds such as ethanol (C_2H_5OH).
Recognize that water (H_2O) is known for having a very high specific heat capacity, approximately 4.18 J/g°C, which is higher than most other common substances.
Compare the typical specific heat capacities: copper (~0.39 J/g°C), aluminum (~0.90 J/g°C), ethanol (~2.44 J/g°C), and water (~4.18 J/g°C) to see which is greatest per gram.
Conclude that water has the greatest heat capacity per gram because it requires more heat energy to raise its temperature compared to the other substances listed.
Related Videos
Related Practice
