The specific heat of alcohol is about half that of water.

Chapter 16, Problem 65GP

(choose chapter or problem)

Problem 65GP

The specific heat of alcohol is about half that of water. Suppose you have 0.5 kg of alcohol at the temperature 20 °C in one container, and 0.5 kg of water at the temperature 30 °C in a second container. When these fluids are poured into the same container and allowed to come to thermal equilibrium, (a) is the final temperature greater than, less than, or equal to 25 °C? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following:

I. The low specific heat of alcohol pulls in more heat, giving a final temperature that is less than 25°.

II. More heat is required to change the temperature of water than to change the temperature of alcohol. Therefore, the final temperature will be greater than 25°.

III. Equal masses are mixed together; therefore, the final temperature will be 25°, the average of the two initial temperatures.

Unfortunately, we don't have that question answered yet. But you can get it answered in just 5 hours by Logging in or Becoming a subscriber.

Becoming a subscriber
Or look for another answer

×

Login

Login or Sign up for access to all of our study tools and educational content!

Forgot password?
Register Now

×

Register

Sign up for access to all content on our site!

Or login if you already have an account

×

Reset password

If you have an active account we’ll send you an e-mail for password recovery

Or login if you have your password back