Specific heat capacity

Definition

Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius. It reflects how well a substance can store thermal energy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Water has a high specific heat capacity, which helps regulate Earth's climate.
2. Specific heat capacity is measured in joules per gram per degree Celsius (J/g°C).
3. The high specific heat capacity of water allows it to absorb and release large amounts of heat with minimal temperature change.
4. Specific heat capacity plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in biological organisms by stabilizing internal temperatures.
5. Hydrogen bonding in water molecules contributes significantly to its high specific heat capacity.

Review Questions

• Why does water's high specific heat capacity help regulate Earth's climate?
• How is specific heat capacity measured and what are its units?
• What role does hydrogen bonding play in the specific heat capacity of water?

Related terms

Latent Heat: The amount of heat required to change the state of a substance without changing its temperature.

Thermal Conductivity: A measure of how well a material conducts heat.

Heat Capacity: The total amount of heat required to raise the temperature of an entire object or system by one degree Celsius.