The specific heat capacity of iron is approximately half that of aluminum. Two b

Question

The specific heat capacity of iron is approximately half that of aluminum. Two balls of equal mass, one made of iron and the other of aluminum, both at 80 C, are dropped into a thermally insulated jar that contains an equal mass of water at 20 C. Thermal equilibrium is eventually reached. Which one of the following statements concerning the final temperatures is true? The iron ball will reach a higher final temperature than the aluminum ball. The difference in the final temperatures of the balls depends on the initial mass of the water. Both balls will reach the same final temperature The difference in the final temperatures of the balls depends on the initial temperature of the water

Explanation / Answer

Thermal equilibrium means both balls will reach the same final temperature. The fact that the iron ball has a lower heat capacity just means that less energy is required to heat it up. However, because both balls are left in the same jar of water, they will eventually reach the same temperature, even if one takes longer to heat up.

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