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The Specific Heat of Copper — Reading Comprehension

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MS-PS3
HS-PS3
RI.6.3
RI.7.1

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This middle school reading passage, 'The Specific Heat of Copper,' explores how copper responds to heat due to its low specific heat capacity—about 0.39 J/g·°C. Students learn that this means copper heats up and cools down quickly, making it ideal for cooking pans, electrical wires, and other tools requiring fast heat transfer. The passage defines specific heat capacity and compares copper's thermal properties to water. It also explains the practical uses of copper in engineering and science. Aligned with NGSS MS-PS3-3, which addresses energy transfer and changes in temperature, this passage also supports ELA standards like RI.6.1. It includes 8 comprehension questions, a fun fact, and vocabulary support, making it a useful resource for both science and literacy development.

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Copper, Central Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan - Dr. Ed David Collection - University of Arizona Mineral Museum - University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ - cleanbackground — "Copper, Central Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan - Dr. Ed David Collection - University of Arizona Mineral Museum - University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ - clean background" by Eric Polk / Wikimedia Commons.

Copper is a reddish-brown metal that is widely used in wires, pots, pipes, and coins. It is known for conducting heat and electricity very well. But how quickly does copper heat up when energy is added? To understand this, we need to learn about the specific heat capacity of copper.

Specific heat capacity is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1 degree Celsius. Different materials have different specific heat capacities. Some heat up quickly, while others take longer to warm.

The copper specific heat capacity is about 0.39 joules per gram per degree Celsius (J/g·°C.. This is much lower than water, which has a specific heat capacity of about 4.18 J/g·°C. Because of this, copper heats up and cools down much faster than water.

That’s why copper is often used in cooking pans—it gets hot quickly and spreads heat evenly. It’s also useful in electrical wiring, where efficient heat transfer is important. However, because copper heats and cools so quickly, it doesn't store heat well.

Understanding the specific heat capacity of copper helps scientists and engineers choose the right materials for heating and cooling systems. It also helps us understand how different materials respond to energy in real-world situations.

In summary, the copper specific heat capacity is low, meaning copper heats up fast and cools quickly. This makes it ideal for many uses where quick heat transfer is needed.

Fun Fact: Copper is the only metal (other than gold. that has a natural color other than gray or silver—it has a reddish-orange glow. This is due to the unique way its electrons absorb and reflect light!

What is the specific heat capacity of copper?

4.18 J/g·°C1.00 J/g·°C0.39 J/g·°C2.10 J/g·°C

What does “specific heat capacity” mean?

The time it takes a material to boilThe energy needed to melt 1 gram of metalThe amount of energy needed to raise 1 gram of a substance by 1°CThe total heat a material can hold forever

Why does copper heat up quickly?

It reflects sunlightIt has a low specific heat capacityIt is very heavyIt is always used in coins

Which material has a much higher specific heat capacity than copper?

AluminumWaterIronSand

Why is copper useful in cooking pans?

It melts easilyIt keeps heat trappedIt heats quickly and spreads heat evenlyIt cools food faster

How does copper compare to water in storing heat?

It stores heat better than waterIt keeps heat longerIt stores very little heatIt doesn’t conduct heat at all

What is one reason copper is used in electrical wires?

It stays coldIt breaks easilyIt transfers heat wellIt has high specific heat

What is the main idea of the passage?

Copper is found in natureCopper has a low specific heat, so it heats up and cools down quicklyWater is better than copperCopper is used in jewelry