Chapter 14, Problem 30Q

To determine

To Explain:

why a paper cup placed among hot coals does not burn if filled with water but not when empty.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Specific heat is the amount of heat per unit of mass required to raise the temperature by one degree Celsius. Specific heat of water is high where as specific heat of paper cup is low.

When a paper cup is placed filled with water among the hot coals, it does not burn because water has high specific heat. The water absorbs heat preventing the burn. While an empty cup burns away because of its lower specific heat.