Core Concept

Specific Heat Capacity (ccc) is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1°C. This property varies between substances and is crucial in understanding how different materials absorb and transfer heat.

Key Concepts of Specific Heat Capacity

1. Definition:

   • Specific heat capacity (c) measures the thermal energy a substance can absorb per unit of mass for each degree of temperature increase.

   • It is typically measured in Joules per gram per degree Celsius (J/g °C) or calories per gram per degree Celsius (cal/g °C).

2. Formula for Heat Transfer:

   • The formula to calculate the amount of heat (qqq) absorbed or released by a substance is: q = m⋅c⋅ΔT

   • Where:

     • q: Heat absorbed or released (in Joules or calories)

     • m: Mass of the substance (in grams)

     • c: Specific heat capacity of the substance

     • ΔT: Temperature change ($T_{\text{final}} - T_{\text{initial}}$)

3. Units:

   • J/g °C (Joules per gram per degree Celsius): Common unit in scientific contexts.

   • cal/g °C (calories per gram per degree Celsius): Often used in older scientific literature or in specific fields.

4. Understanding High vs. Low Specific Heat Capacity:

   • High Specific Heat Capacity: Substances with high specific heat can absorb a large amount of heat without a significant change in temperature. Example: Water (4.18 J/g °C).

   • Low Specific Heat Capacity: Substances with low specific heat capacity heat up or cool down quickly with small amounts of heat. Example: Metals like copper (0.385 J/g °C).