[DmytriE]

I'm back! 

I know specific heat is a very simple concept and I understand where all of the units are derived from.  However, I'm having trouble using the equation q=mcΔT.  I know that q is heat, m is mass, c is specific heat of the solvent, and ΔT is the change in temperature.  Can you help me solve this problem.

Q: 20 grams of NaCl is poured into a coffee cup calorimeter containing 250mL of water.  If the temperature inside the calorimeter drops 1°C by the time the NaCl is totally dissolved, what is the heat of solution for CaCl and water?  (specific heat of water is 4.18 J/g °C).

I've tried everything, except what gives me the right answer.    I've used 20 grams for m, I've use molarity, molality, and all sorts of other creative methods.    Is the above equation the one I want to use?  Do I need a better understanding of coffee calorimeter to do this?

Astrokel, if you read this and can find a website just as informative as the AP central you sent me that would appreciative!

Thanks for the *delete me*

[Astrokel]

You can try to google as there are countless websites on specific heat problems. Check this out: http://www.wwnorton.com/college/chemistry/gilbert/concepts/chapter13/ch13_1.htm

Just note that m is not mass but mass of solution

[DmytriE]

Why did "Thanks for the *delete me*" show up in the post I made a couple hours ago?  Did someone modify it?  Did I break / ignore a rule?  I didn't break a violation I don't think.

[Borek]

This is an old joke, in some circumstances forum replaces word hеlp with *delete me*. "please hеlp" is an abused phrase here.