Question

Two bodies of specific heats C1 and C2 having same heat capacities are combined to form a single composite body. what is the specific heat of the composite body?

Answer 1

It is given in the problem that the heat capacity is the same for two bodies. So (Q/∆t) is the same. But as specific heat capacity is C1 and C2, their masses would be different. Let us assume that to be m1 and m2 respectively.

C1 = Q/m1∆t and C2 = Q/m2∆t

Now, the specific capacity of the composite body is Cc = Q / ∆t * 1/ (m1 + m2)

m1 + m2 = Q/∆t (1/C1 + 1/C2) = Q/∆t (C1 + C2 / C1 C2 )

Hence, Cc = Q / ∆t * 1/ (m1 + m2)

= C1 C2 / (C1 + C2)
Hope this helps you..