Which substance requires less energy to raise the temperature of 1 gram by 1 degree Celsius: water or aluminum?

• A. Water
• B. Aluminum

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of a substance depends on its specific heat capacity, which is the energy needed to raise 1 gram of the substance by 1 degree Celsius.
2. Recall the specific heat capacities of the two substances: water has a high specific heat capacity (about 4.18 J/g°C), while aluminum has a lower specific heat capacity (about 0.90 J/g°C).
3. Use the formula for heat energy: \(Q = m \times c \times \Delta T\), where \(Q\) is the heat energy, \(m\) is the mass, \(c\) is the specific heat capacity, and \(\Delta T\) is the temperature change.
4. Since the mass (\(m\)) and temperature change (\(\Delta T\)) are the same for both substances (1 gram and 1°C), the difference in energy required depends solely on the specific heat capacity (\(c\)).
5. Compare the specific heat capacities: because aluminum has a lower specific heat capacity than water, it requires less energy to raise the temperature of 1 gram by 1 degree Celsius.