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Introduction to the Heat Equilibrium Problem
One of the more difficult chemistry problems is the case of heat-energy flow between materials until a state of thermal equilibrium is reached. The problem tends to be difficult, conceptually, and it is easy to get "lost" in the mathematics. I will demonstrate why it is particularly important to keep track of the units, especially for the most challenging versions of heat flow problems (e.g., solving for mass or for equlibrium temperature ).The Fundamental Components of the Heat Equilibrium Problem
The basic material properties involved with heat equilibrium problems are temperature (T, Celsius), heat energy transferred (q, calories-cal or Joules-J), mass in grams-g and Specific Heat Capacity (C, a derived unit quantity), "heat energy per degree Celsius per gram-mass"-cal/((deg C -g)). In other words, the specific heat capacity is the number of calories required to raise or lower the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius. The SI version of specific heat capacity has the units, J/(deg C-g).
Notice how the heat loss is recorded with a '-' sign and that the temperature change is also negative. The two "negatives" come together to yield a positive mass. Also, note how the units cancel to give the appropriate solution units.
That's all for now. As always, thank you for reading!
A Publication of http://ExcellenceInLearning.bizAn Example Problem Using Aluminum
That's all for now. As always, thank you for reading!