Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsHeat Transfer
A calorimeter holds 50 g of water at 50^ C , and its temperature drops to 45^ C in 10 minutes. If the calorimeter instead holds 100 g of water at 50^ C , the temperature takes 18 minutes to reach 45^ C . Determine the water equivalent of the calorimeter.
Options
- A25 g
- B12.5 g
- C6.25 g
- D10 g
Correct answer
B. 12.5 g
Step-by-step solution
According to Newton's law of cooling, the time t taken to cool through a given temperature range is directly proportional to the total heat capacity of the system. t (m + W) where m is the mass of water and W is the water equivalent of the calorimeter. For the two cases, we can write the ratio of the times taken as: t₁ t₂ = m₁ + W m₂ + W Substituting the given values: 10 18 = 50 + W 100 + W 5 9 = 50 + W 100 + W 5(100 + W) = 9(50 + W) 500 + 5W = 450 + 9W 4W = 50 W = 12.5 g