Today I would like to introduce the specific heat capacity to you in a slightly smaller article. The specific heat capacity indicates the quantity of heat that a substance can release or absorb in relation to its mass when the temperature changes. The temperature change is given as temperature difference in Kelvin .
The specific heat capacity indicates the amount of energy required to increase 1 kg of a substance by 1 Kelvin. The unit for the specific heat capacity is: .
The specific heat capacity can be determined as follows:
The specific heat capacity of water, for example, is at a temperature of 20°C:
For instance, to calculate the quantity of heat for a change in the temperature of heating water, the temperature spectrum from 0 to 100 °C is simplified to or .
In the following link you will find an overview of different substances and their specific heat capacity: Table of specific heat capacities
If you have any questions I’m looking forward to see your comments
Greetings! Martin
Further links and sources:
Wikipedia – properties of water
Wikipedia – specific heat capacity