Mercury has one of the lowest specific heats. This fact added to its liquid state at most atmospheric temperatures makes it effective for use in thermometers. If 257 J of energy are added to 540 g of mercury, the mercury's temperature will increase by 9 deg C. What is the specific heat of mercury?

0.053 J/gºC

Explanation:

From the question given above, the following data were obtained:

Mass (M) = 540 g

Heat (Q) = 257 J

Temperature rise (ΔT) = 9 °C

Specific heat capacity (C) =?

The specific heat capacity of mercury can be obtained as illustrated below:

Q = MCΔT

257 = 540 × C × 9

257 = 4860 × C

Divide both side by 4860

C = 257 / 4860

C = 0.053 J/gºC

Therefore, the specific heat capacity of mercury of mercury is 0.053 J/gºC