A 2.50 g sample of zinc is heated, and then placed in a calorimeter containing 65.0 g of water. Temperature of water increases from 20.00 oC to 22.50 oC. The specific heat of zinc is 0.390 J/g oC. Assuming no heat loss, what was the initial temperature of the zinc metal sample?

The initial temperature of the zinc metal is 719.8 ⁰C.

The given parameters;

The initial temperature of the zinc metal is determined by applying the principle of conservation of energy;

Heat lost by Zinc = Heat gained by water

Thus, the initial temperature of the zinc metal is 719.8 ⁰C.

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718.65 degrees is the initial temperature of the zinc metal sample.

Explanation:

Data given:

mass of zinc sample = 2.50 grams

mass of water  = 65 grams

initial temperature of water = 20 degrees

final temperature of water = 22.5 degrees

ΔT  = change in temperature of water is 2.50 degrees

specific heat capacity of zinc cp= 0.390 J/g°C

initial temperature of zinc sample = ?

cp of water = 4.186 J/g°C

heat absorbed = heat released (no heat loss)

formula used is

q = mcΔT

q water = 65 x 4.286 x 2.5

q water = 696.15 J

q zinc = 2.50 x 0.390 x (22.50- Ti)

equating the two equations

696.15 = - 22.50+ Ti

Ti = 718.65 degrees is the initial temperature of zinc.