A slice of pizza has 500 kcal

A slice of pizza has 500 kcal. If we could burn the pizza and use all the heat to warm a 50-L container of cold water, what would be the approximate increase in the temperature of the water? (note; A Liter of cold water weighs about 1 kg) a. 500 C b. 50C c. 10C d.100C
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A slice of pizza has 500 kcal. If we could burn the pizza and use all the heat to warm a 50-L container of cold water, what would be the approximate increase in the temperature of the water?

(note; A Liter of cold water weighs about 1 kg)

a. 500 C

b. 50C

c. 10C

d.100C

The Correct Answer and Explanation is :

To determine the increase in temperature of the 50-L container of cold water when burning a 500 kcal slice of pizza, we use the specific heat capacity formula:

[
Q = mc\Delta T
]

Where:

  • ( Q ) is the heat energy in calories (500 kcal = 500,000 cal),
  • ( m ) is the mass of the water (50 L × 1 kg/L = 50 kg),
  • ( c ) is the specific heat capacity of water (1 cal/g°C = 1 kcal/kg°C),
  • ( \Delta T ) is the change in temperature (what we need to find).

Rearranging the formula to solve for ( \Delta T ):

[
\Delta T = \frac{Q}{mc}
]

Substituting the values:

[
\Delta T = \frac{500,000}{50 \times 1}
]

[
\Delta T = \frac{500,000}{50}
]

[
\Delta T = 10°C
]

Thus, the temperature of the water will increase by 10°C, meaning the correct answer is:

c. 10°C


Explanation:

  1. Understanding the Energy Conversion:
    When we burn the pizza, it releases 500 kcal of energy. This energy is absorbed by the 50 kg of water, causing its temperature to rise.
  2. Why Water’s Specific Heat Matters:
    Water has a high specific heat capacity (1 kcal/kg°C), meaning it requires a significant amount of energy to change its temperature.
  3. Why Other Answers Are Incorrect:
  • 500°C: This would require 25,000 kcal, which is far more than 500 kcal.
  • 50°C: This would need 2,500 kcal, still too much energy.
  • 100°C: Would need 5,000 kcal, unrealistic for just one slice of pizza.

Therefore, the closest and most accurate answer is 10°C.


Now, I’ll generate an image related to this concept.

Here is an educational illustration showing the concept of burning a slice of pizza to heat a 50-liter container of water by 10°C. Let me know if you need any modifications!

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