The heat energy \( Q \) required to increase the temperature of water is calculated using the formula \( Q = mc\Delta T \). In this formula, \( Q \) represents heat energy in Joules, \( m \) is the mass of the water in kilograms, \( c \) is the specific heat capacity in J/kg°C, and \( \Delta T \) is the temperature change in °C.
The provided data includes:
- \( m = 2 \, kg \),
- \( c = 4200 \, J/kg^\circ C \),
- Initial temperature \( T_1 = 20^\circ C \),
- Final temperature \( T_2 = 80^\circ C \).
The temperature change \( \Delta T \) is determined by subtracting the initial temperature from the final temperature: \( \Delta T = T_2 - T_1 = 80^\circ C - 20^\circ C = 60^\circ C \).
The formula is applied with the given values: \( Q = 2 \times 4200 \times 60 \).
The calculation proceeds as follows:
- First, multiply mass by specific heat capacity: \( 2 \times 4200 = 8400 \).
- Then, multiply the result by the temperature change: \( 8400 \times 60 = 504000 \, J \).
Consequently, \( 504000 \, J \) of heat is necessary to elevate the temperature of 2 kg of water from \( 20^\circ C \) to \( 80^\circ C \).