[Lin]

Is it possible to convert ml to grams for a Heat Capacity and Specific Heat type of problem? The problems that I have done so far did not use ml at all. I am stuck with the following problem:

A piece of stainless steel (specific heat = 0.50 J g^{-1 o}C^-1 ) is taken from an over at 178 ^oC and immersed in 225 ml of water at 25.9 ^oC. The water temperature rises to 42.4 ^oC. What is the mass of the piece of steel? How precise is this method of mass determination? Explain.

My attempt is...
Step 1: Calculate q of water.
q_water = m * SH * Delta T
q_water = m * 4.18 * (42.4 - 25.9)

Problem: the m is not stated in the give. Water is given in ml. I tried to search and some people say 1 ml = 1 g. I don't know if that is correct. So I hesitated in continuing this problem until I find out the correct way in converting ml to g.

If I can get pass that step, then I will do q_steel.

My answer for the 2nd question is that it is not accurate since it is not a calorimeter and thus there will be heat loss?

Please help. Thank you very much in advance.

P.S. I am not sure if this is the correct forum or not since I am taking this course in high school but it is AP Chemistry (So I am assuming it is college chemistry).

[Borek]

1mL = 1g is an approximation - for a precise work and for concentrated solutions it won't work, but for just water is is OK, compare water densities listed here (scroll down the page):

http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=FAQ

[Lin]

Yes. I was confused because I thought it depended on concentration etc. Thank you for the clarification !

[Borek]

It depends on concentration, but as longs as solutions are diluted 1g/mL holds quite good.

[DrCMS]

Yes. I was confused because I thought it depended on concentration etc. Thank you for the clarification !

Unless you think stainless steel will dissolve in water any talk of concentration is bogus.