Answer :
Final answer:
The specific heat capacity of the air in the balloon is calculated using the formula Q = mcΔT. Given the change in thermal energy (860 J), the mass of the air (0.00320 kg), and the temperature change (-215 °C), the specific heat capacity is found to be 12.5 J/(kg°C).
Explanation:
To calculate the specific heat capacity of the air in the balloon, we can use the formula Q = mcΔT, where Q is the change in thermal energy, m is the mass of the air, and ΔT is the change in temperature.
In this case, we know that Q = 860 J, m = 0.00320 kg, and ΔT = -215 °C (a decrease in temperature is represented by a negative change). We need to solve for the specific heat capacity c.
Rearranging the formula to solve for c we get: c = Q / (mΔT).
Plugging in the values gives us: c = 860 J / (0.00320 kg × -215 °C).
To find c, we should treat the change in temperature as positive since specific heat capacity is a positive value and the formula requires the magnitude of the temperature change. Thus: c = 860 J / (0.00320 kg × 215 °C) = 12.5 J/(kg°C).
Therefore, the specific heat capacity of the air in the balloon is 12.5 J/(kg°C).
