Is the metal in the following situation most likely Iron, Aluminum, or Silver?A 5.0 g sample of a metal is heated to 80.0oC and placed in a 100. g...

The amount of heat in a given object can be found by using
the formula Q = m * Cp * delta T where

Q = heat in
Joules

m = mass in grams or
kilograms

Cp = specific heat of the
substance

delta T = change in
temperature

When a heated object is put into water, the
final temperature is the same for the object and the water. The heated object cools and
transfers its heat energy to the water, raising the temperature of the
water.

Therefore:

Q (object) =
Q (water)

and

m (object) * Cp
(object) * delta T (0bject) = m (water) * Cp(water) * delta T
(water)

Substitute in your values and you
get

5 * Cp (object) * (80 - 20.6) = 100 * 1 * (20.6 -
20)

Solve for Cp

Cp = 60/297 =
0.202cal/g *degree C

If you consult a table of specific
heats you will find:

Aluminum =
.22

Silver = 0.06

Iron =
0.11

Your answer is closest to
aluminum