Specific heat capacity (the very basics)

In summary, the specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy needed to raise 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C. The specific heat capacity of water is 4.184 kJ/kg°C and is equivalent to 1 Cal (large calorie or food calorie) or 4.184 kJ. Similarly, 1 cal (small calorie or gram calorie) is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 g of water by 1 °C and is equivalent to 4.184 J. Additionally, 1 Cal is equal to 1000 cal or 1 kcal. The use of different units for calories can be confusing and it is not commonly taught.
  • #1
Cliff Hanley
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The specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy
needed to raise 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C.

Q. So the specific heat capacity of water is 4.184kJ (given that 1 Cal (large calorie aka the kg calorie aka the food calorie) is required to do the same, ie, raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 degree C and 1 Cal is equivalent to 4.184kJ?

Q. 1 cal (small calorie aka gramme calorie) is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1g of water by 1 degree C, yes? 1 cal = 4.184J.

Q. 1 Cal = 1000 cal? 1 Cal = 1kcal?
 
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  • #2
No need for question marks. You say it yourself: the food cal is the large calorie. Very unfortunate and very confusing, I agree.
Well observed!
 
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  • #3
Makes me quite glad I was never taught about Calories.

Cliff Hanley said:
Q. So the specific heat capacity of water is 4.184kJ

Personally I think it's much better to be explicit with the units eg..

The specific heat capacity of water is 4.184 kJ/kg°C
 
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FAQ: Specific heat capacity (the very basics)

What is specific heat capacity?

Specific heat capacity is a measure of the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree Celsius. It is often referred to as the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius.

How is specific heat capacity measured?

Specific heat capacity is typically measured through experiments in which the substance's temperature is raised and the amount of heat required to do so is measured. This can be done using devices such as a calorimeter or a thermometer.

What factors affect specific heat capacity?

The specific heat capacity of a substance can be affected by various factors, including the substance's mass, temperature, and chemical composition. It can also vary depending on the phase of the substance (solid, liquid, or gas).

How does specific heat capacity differ from heat capacity?

Specific heat capacity is a measure of the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree Celsius, while heat capacity is a measure of the total amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by any amount. In other words, specific heat capacity is a per-unit-mass measure while heat capacity is a total measure.

Why is specific heat capacity important?

Specific heat capacity is an important concept in thermodynamics and is used to understand and predict how substances will respond to changes in temperature. It is also crucial in engineering and industrial processes, as it helps determine the amount of energy needed to heat or cool a substance.

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