Specific heat

Definition

Specific heat is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius. It is a material-specific property and is measured in units of $\text{J/g} \cdot ^\circ \text{C}$.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The specific heat capacity can be calculated using the formula $q = mc\Delta T$, where $q$ is the heat added, $m$ is the mass, $c$ is the specific heat, and $\Delta T$ is the change in temperature.
2. Water has a high specific heat capacity of approximately 4.18 J/g°C, which allows it to absorb and release large amounts of heat with minimal temperature change.
3. Metals generally have low specific heats compared to non-metals, meaning they heat up and cool down quickly.
4. The specific heat capacity is an intrinsic property that does not depend on the amount of substance present.
5. In calorimetry experiments, knowing the specific heat capacities of substances involved allows for precise measurements of energy transfer.

Review Questions

• What is the formula relating specific heat capacity to heat added, mass, and temperature change?
• Why does water's high specific heat capacity make it effective in regulating temperatures?
• How does the specific heat capacity differ between metals and non-metals?

Related terms

Heat Transfer: The movement of thermal energy from one object or substance to another due to a temperature difference.

Calorimetry:

A method used to measure quantities of absorbed or released heat during chemical reactions or physical changes.

$\Delta T$ (Change in Temperature): $\Delta T$ represents the difference between final and initial temperatures in a system.