The initial temperature of the water was 56.7 °C.
Step 1. Calculate the temperature change.
The formula for the heat (q) absorbed is
q = mCΔT
We can solve this equation to get
ΔT = q/(mC)
q = 5.49 × 10⁵ J; m = 3030 g; C = 4.184 J·°C⁻¹g⁻¹
∴ ΔT = 5.49 × 10⁵ J/(3030 g × 4.184 J·°C⁻¹g⁻¹) = 43.30 °C
Step 2. Calculate the initial temperature
ΔT = T_f – T_i = 100°C – T_i = 43.30 °C
T_i = 100 °C – 43.30 °C = 56.7 °C
