What is specific heat capacity?

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Multiple Choice

What is specific heat capacity?

Specific heat capacity tells us how much energy is needed to raise the temperature of a certain amount of substance by a certain temperature change. It is defined as the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of a substance by 1 degree Celsius, with units of joules per kilogram per degree Celsius (J/kg·°C). The relationship is ΔQ = m c ΔT, so for 1 kg heated by 1°C you need c joules. For example, water has a high specific heat capacity (about 4184 J/kg·°C), meaning it takes a lot of energy to raise its temperature by 1°C. Other ideas in the options refer to different concepts: energy released during cooling isn’t a standard separate property, density is mass per volume, and melting energy is latent heat of fusion.

Specific heat capacity tells us how much energy is needed to raise the temperature of a certain amount of substance by a certain temperature change. It is defined as the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of a substance by 1 degree Celsius, with units of joules per kilogram per degree Celsius (J/kg·°C). The relationship is ΔQ = m c ΔT, so for 1 kg heated by 1°C you need c joules. For example, water has a high specific heat capacity (about 4184 J/kg·°C), meaning it takes a lot of energy to raise its temperature by 1°C. Other ideas in the options refer to different concepts: energy released during cooling isn’t a standard separate property, density is mass per volume, and melting energy is latent heat of fusion.

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