What is the specific heat, in J/g∘C , of the metal?

Question

A metal is thought to be aluminum or copper. When 3.5  of the metal absorbs 12  , its temperature rises by 3.7 .

Answer 1

In your question, you unfortunately left out the units so I'm going to assume certain units. I've re-written the question as follows:

A metal is thought to be aluminum or copper. When 3.5 g  of the metal absorbs 12 J  , its temperature rises by 3.7 ºC . What is the specific heat in J/gºC of the metal?

Use the formula q = mC∆T

q = heat = 12 J

m = mass = 3.5 g

C = specific heat = ?

∆T = change in temperature = 3.7º

Substitute and solve for C:

q = mC∆T

12 J = (3.5 g)(C)(3.7º)

C = 0.93 J/gºC

If you look up the specific heats of Al and Cu, you find that this unknown metal is closer to the known specific heat of Aluminum (0.91 J/gº) rather than copper (0.31 J/gº)