Mg(s) + Cu(NO3)2(aq) Mg(NO3)2(aq) + Cu(s)
In the self-heating cans, the bottom has a compartment containing copper(II) nitrate
solution. When a button on the bottom of the can is pressed, the magnesium powder is
released into the compartment where it reacts with the copper(II) nitrate solution.
(a) A student investigated the enthalpy change for this reaction by measuring
50.0 cm3 of 0.300 mol dm–3 copper(II) nitrate solution into a 100 cm3 beaker and
adding 1g (an excess) of magnesium powder.
The results are shown below.
Temperature of copper(II) nitrate solution at start = 22 C
Temperature of mixture after reaction = 43 C
(i) Calculate the energy change which took place. The specific heat capacity of the
solution is 4.20 J g–1K–1.
Which is the correct value for the energy change in joules?
[6CH01, Specimen Paper]
How to solve this? Answer in mark scheme is 4410 Joules