# Problem: A 45 g aluminum spoon (specific heat 0.88 J/g°C) at 24°C is placed in 180 mL (180 g) of coffee at 85°C and the temperature of the two become equal.What is the final temperature when the two become equal? Assume that coffee has the same specific heat as water.

###### FREE Expert Solution
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###### FREE Expert Solution

We’re being asked to determine the temperature at which the copper piece was heated initially.

We will use the heat released by the copper piece to calculate its initial temperature. Recall that heat can be calculated using the following equation:

$\overline{){\mathbf{q}}{\mathbf{=}}{\mathbf{mc}}{\mathbf{∆}}{\mathbf{T}}}$

q = heat, J

+qabsorbs heat
–qloses heat

m = mass (g)
c = specific heat capacity = J/(g·°C)
ΔT = Tf – Ti = (°C)

A 45 g aluminum spoon (specific heat 0.88 J/g°C) at 24°C is placed in 180 mL (180 g) of coffee at 85°C and the temperature of the two become equal.

Given:

mass aluminum = 45 g
Ti aluminum = 24°C
Tf aluminum = ?
ccopper = 0.88 J/g°C

mass water = 180 g
Ti water = 85
°C
Tf water = ?
cwater = 4.184 J/(g
°C)

80% (479 ratings)
###### Problem Details

A 45 g aluminum spoon (specific heat 0.88 J/g°C) at 24°C is placed in 180 mL (180 g) of coffee at 85°C and the temperature of the two become equal.

What is the final temperature when the two become equal? Assume that coffee has the same specific heat as water.

What scientific concept do you need to know in order to solve this problem?

Our tutors have indicated that to solve this problem you will need to apply the Thermal Equilibrium concept. You can view video lessons to learn Thermal Equilibrium Or if you need more Thermal Equilibrium practice, you can also practice Thermal Equilibrium practice problems .

How long does this problem take to solve?

Our expert Chemistry tutor, Rae-Anne took 6 minutes to solve this problem. You can follow their steps in the video explanation above.

What professor is this problem relevant for?

Based on our data, we think this problem is relevant for Professor Delgado's class at FIU.

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