Define specific heat capacity.

The following data are available.

Mass of water = 0.35 kg
Mass of iron = 0.58 kg
Specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J kg^–1K^–1
Initial temperature of water = 20°C
Final temperature of water = 44°C
Initial temperature of iron = 180°C

(i) Determine the specific heat capacity of iron.

(ii) Explain why the value calculated in (b)(i) is likely to be different from the accepted value.

the energy required to change the temperature (of a substance) by 1K/°C/unit degree;
of mass 1 kg / per unit mass;

(i) use of mcΔT;
0.58×c×[180-44]=0.35×4200×[44-20];
c=447Jkg^-1K^-1≈450Jkg^-1K^-1;

(ii) energy would be given off to surroundings/environment / energy would be absorbed by container / energy would be given off through vaporization of water;
hence final temperature would be less;
hence measured value of (specific) heat capacity (of iron) would be higher;