Cold Pack Chemistry: Where does the heat go? Equation 1

[FozzieB]

Hello,
I’m having a hard time figuring out equation 1 for the “Cold Pack Chemistry: Where does the heat go?” project. I’m not sure how to find out the heat capacity measured in Joules per gram per degree celsius.

Thank you!


q = c m (T2 -T1)


q = energy lost (or gained), measured in joules (J)
c = heat capacity, measured in joules per gram per degree Celsius, J/(g°C)
m = mass of solution, measured in grams (g)
J = joules (J), unit of energy
g = grams (g) of water
°C = degrees Celsius
T1 = starting temperature, in degrees Celsius
T2 = lower temperature after ammonium nitrate has dissolved, in degrees Celsius

[IlI]

Hi FozzieB,

In this experiment, you should know all of the variables in the equation except for the c, which is the heat capacity. Just divide q by m and (T2-T1) to get your heat capacity.

Hope this helps, IlI