Calculating the Specific Heat Capacity of Paraffin

Understanding the specific heat capacity of substances is crucial in various fields, including physics, engineering, and chemical science. One common example involves determining the specific heat capacity of paraffin, a widely used material in many applications. In this article, we will explore how to calculate the specific heat capacity of paraffin using a practical example and discuss the significance of these calculations.

Problem Statement

The problem at hand involves a scenario where 1.910 joules of heat are supplied to 2 kilograms of paraffin at a temperature of 12.0°C, causing the temperature to rise to 16.0°C. The question asks to find the specific heat capacity of paraffin. However, the difficulty arises when we notice that the problem itself seems to provide the answer in the form of the question.

The Specific Heat Capacity Concept

Specific heat capacity, often denoted as Cp, is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance per unit mass by a certain temperature interval. The units for specific heat capacity are typically expressed in kilojoules per kilogram per Kelvin (kJ/kg·K).

Theoretical Background and Calculations

The fundamental relationship for heat energy transfer is given by the equation:

Q mCp?T

where Q is the heat energy supplied, m is the mass of the substance, Cp is the specific heat capacity, and ?T is the change in temperature.

Calculating the Temperature Increase

In the example given, the temperature increases from 12.0°C to 16.0°C, resulting in:

Change in temperature (?T) 16.0°C - 12.0°C 4.0°C

Using the Given Data

Substituting the given values into the heat energy equation:

1.910 J 2 kg × Cp × 4 K

First, isolate Cp by rearranging the equation:

Cp 1.910 J / (2 kg × 4 K) 0.2375 kJ/kg.K

Converting the specific heat capacity from joules to kilojoules for consistency:

Cp 0.2375 kJ/kg.K

Interpreting the Result

The specific heat capacity of paraffin calculated from the given example is approximately 0.2375 kJ/kg.K. This value falls within the range of typical specific heat capacities for paraffin, which vary slightly depending on the purity and composition of the substance.

Practical Applications

The specific heat capacity of paraffin is important in several practical applications, including:

Energy storage and thermal management in various industrial processes.

Heating and cooling systems in homes and buildings.

Thermal insulation materials in construction.

Energy conversion and renewable energy systems, such as solar thermal collectors.

Conclusion

While the original problem might appear to be a typical homework question, it serves as a practical example of how to calculate the specific heat capacity of paraffin. Understanding these concepts is essential for engineers, scientists, and other professionals working with thermal systems and materials. By applying the principles of heat transfer, one can accurately determine the specific heat capacity of substances like paraffin and use this knowledge to optimize various applications.

References

For a more comprehensive understanding of specific heat capacity and related concepts, refer to the following sources:

Engineering Heat Transfer: Principles and Applications by William McC. Goodson.

Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer: Fundamentals and Applications by Yunus A. Cengel and Michael A. Boles.