unit ten: specific heat

specific heat ( c )

amount of heat needed to increase the temperature of 1g of a substance by 1 degree celsius. (varies by substance and depends on material or matter.)

unit for c

j/g*degrees celsius

j

Joules

Q

heat absorbed, measured in joules or calories

m

mass, measured in grams

delta T

difference between final temperature and initial temperature. (Tf - Ti)

c

specific heat capacity

if Q is positive

energy is absorbed and the reaction is endothermic.

if Q is negative

energy is released and the reaction is exothermic.