What is the formula represented by the mnemonic q= MCAT?

What is the formula represented by the mnemonic q= MCAT?

• A. q=mcΔT
• B. q=mcT
• C. q=mΔCT
• D. q=MTΔC

Answer: (A)

The mnemonic q = MCAT helps to recall the specific heat formula, which is q = mcΔT. In this formula, "q" represents the amount of heat energy absorbed or released by a substance, "m" stands for the mass of the substance, "c" is the specific heat capacity, and "ΔT" signifies the change in temperature (final temperature minus initial temperature). This formula is key in thermodynamics and allows one to calculate the heat transfer when a substance undergoes a temperature change. The specific heat capacity "c" reflects how much heat is needed to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius, making it integral to understanding how different materials respond to heat. In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent the fundamental concept of heat transfer. For instance, options involving just "mc" without the temperature change, or having incorrect placements of variables or factors like “ΔC” or “MT,” do not conform to the accepted scientific formulation used in calculations involving heat transfer in physical chemistry and biology. Therefore, the presence of ΔT in the correct formula is crucial, highlighting how temperature differences drive the heating process in substances.

The mnemonic q = MCAT helps to recall the specific heat formula, which is q = mcΔT. In this formula, "q" represents the amount of heat energy absorbed or released by a substance, "m" stands for the mass of the substance, "c" is the specific heat capacity, and "ΔT" signifies the change in temperature (final temperature minus initial temperature).

This formula is key in thermodynamics and allows one to calculate the heat transfer when a substance undergoes a temperature change. The specific heat capacity "c" reflects how much heat is needed to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius, making it integral to understanding how different materials respond to heat.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent the fundamental concept of heat transfer. For instance, options involving just "mc" without the temperature change, or having incorrect placements of variables or factors like “ΔC” or “MT,” do not conform to the accepted scientific formulation used in calculations involving heat transfer in physical chemistry and biology. Therefore, the presence of ΔT in the correct formula is crucial, highlighting how temperature differences drive the heating process in substances.