Answer to Question #52899 in Molecular Physics | Thermodynamics for Jim O'Brien

Question

Steel has a specific heat of 0.11 calories/gram/C. How much would 25 grams of steel cool if 10 calories of heat were lost to the surrounding air? How many calories would the same amount of water have to lose to the surrounding air to show the same decrease in temperature (water has a specific heat of 1 calories/gram/C)? Must show all work. What accounts for the difference? Explain your answer.