Specific Heat Capacity
Learning Objectives
Specific heat capacity with reference to hydrogen bonding to account for the relatively high specific heat capacity of liquid water, and significance for organisms
Summary Notes
Heat capacity is the measure of the substance’s capacity to absorb and store heat energy
Specific heat capacity measures the amount of energy (in Joules) needed to increase the temperature of a certain amount of substance (usually 1 gram) by 1 degree (Kelvin or Celcius)
q = heat energy (J) m = mass (g) c = specific heat capacity (J/g℃) ΔT = change in temperature (K or ℃)
Eg. Calculate the heat energy needed to increase the temperature of 250.0 g of water by 30°C. Specific heat capacity of water is 4.18 J/g℃
q = mcΔT
q = 250 × 4.18 × 30
q = 31350 J
Water's large heat capacity means water will absorb a relatively large amount of energy before it heats up.
This makes water resistant to sudden temperature changes, and plants and animals that live in water survive without experiencing wide temperature fluctuations.
Videos to help build your understanding
Heat Capacity, Specific Heat, and Calorimetry
Note that specific heat capacity is represented as 'c' in VCE. The video uses 's'
Practice Material
Teacher's Tip:
Take note of the units that are being used in a SHC question. Sometimes, conversion to different units are necessary. Watch this video for example.