The initial temperature is 137.34 °C.
Explanation:
As the specific heat formula says that the heat energy required is directly proportional to the mass and change in temperature of the system.
Q = mcΔT
So, here the mass m is given as 23 kg, the specific heat of steel is given as c = 490 J/kg°C and the initial temperature is required to find with the final temperature being 140 °C. Also the heat energy required is 30,000 J.
ΔT =[tex]\frac{Q}{mc}[/tex]
ΔT =[tex]\frac{30000}{23 \times 490} = \frac{30000}{11270} =2.66[/tex]
Since the difference in temperature is 2.66, then the initial temperature will be
Final temperature - Initial temperature = Change in temperature
140-Initial temperature = 2.66
Initial temperature = 140-2.66 = 137.34 °C
Thus, the initial temperature is 137.34 °C.