How large a piece of iron is needed?

Question

A primitive way of heating water to boiling in a non-fireproof container was to heat stones or metal and then to place them in the container to boil the water. How large a piece of iron (specific heat = .447 J/g degree C) would be needed tp boil 1 liter of water if the iron is heated from 25 degrees C to 500 degrees C? Is it reasonable that this process would be done in one step or more than one step?

Answer 1

It would depend on the temperature of the water before introducing the iron, as well as ambient temperature and pressure.

Answer 2

1 liter of water would not be enough to do that! 500 C would smoke what ever you talk of! Half kilo, but what your vessel and start temps. on all