---
title: "Specific Heat — AP Chem Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Specific heat is the heat needed to raise 1 g of a substance by 1°C. It's the c in q = mcΔT, the equation behind every AP Chem calorimetry problem in Unit 6."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-chem/key-terms/specific-heat"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Chemistry"
---

# Specific Heat — AP Chem Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Specific heat is the amount of heat per unit mass required to raise the temperature by one degree Celsius.

## Related Study Guides

- [6.4 Heat Capacity and Calorimetry](/ap-chem/unit-6/heat-capacity-calorimetry/study-guide/jShImkrhZMnPWxlEjdwN)
- [6.5 Energy of Phase Changes](/ap-chem/unit-6/energy-phase-changes/study-guide/kAXAzHrD24XL6LdpMFHh)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Heat Capacity](/ap-chem/key-terms/heat-capacity): This is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of an object by one degree Celsius. It's similar to specific heat but doesn't take into account mass.
- [Calorimetry](/ap-chem/key-terms/calorimetry): This is the science or act of measuring changes in state variables of a body for deriving the heat transfer associated with changes of its state due, e.g., chemical reactions.
- Thermal Conductivity: This property determines how well a material can conduct heat.