A 500 g sample of copper is heated from 25°C to 55°C by absorbing 120 kJ of heat. Calculate the specific heat capacity of copper. Provide answer in J/kg°C.

Step-by-step solution

1. Convert mass of copper to kilograms: $m=500\text{ g}=0.5\text{ kg}$.
2. Use the formula $c=\frac{Q}{mDeltaT}$, where $Q=120\text{ kJ}=1.20\times 10^5\text{ J}$ and $\Delta T=55-25=30\text{°C}$.
3. Compute $c=\frac{1.20\times 10^5}{0.5\times 30}=\frac{1.20\times 10^5}{15}=8000\text{ J/(kg⋅°C)}$.
4. State the result.

Concept tested: Specific heat capacity of substances

Published 13 October 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked