Specific Heat Capacity

Definition

The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one degree Celsius (°C).

It is a material-specific property that varies between different substances.

Formula:

The formula to calculate specific heat capacity (c) is given by:

Q = mcΔT

Units: (J/kg·°C).

Where:

Q = heat energy added (in joules)

m = mass of the substance (in kilograms)

ΔT = change in temperature (in °C)

Applications:

Specific heat capacity is crucial in understanding thermal processes, such as heating, cooling, and phase changes in materials.

It plays a significant role in fields such as engineering, meteorology, and cooking.