Specific Heat Capacity

Success Criteria:

I can define specific heat and explain its significance in the context of heat energy and temperature changes.
I am able to successfully apply the specific heat formula (Q=mcΔT) to calculate the heat energy absorbed or released in a given scenario.

Fun Fact

Metals, such as copper and aluminium, have lower specific heat capacities compared to water. As a result, they can heat up or cool down quickly. This property is why metal objects, like spoons or keys left out in the sun, can become hot to the touch after being exposed to sunlight for a short period. It also explains why metals feel cool when touched, as they efficiently draw heat away from the skin due to their ability to conduct heat rapidly.

4.2 Specific Heat Capacity

Key terms

Specific Heat is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a kg of a substance by 1 degree Celsius.

c the specific heat capacity of a material.

Learning Tasks

4.2 Key knowledge questions p.112
Measuring the specific heat capacity of water

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