Calorimetry - Specific Heat Capacity

Question 1

Define Specific Heat Capacity

Answer 1

The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1g of substance by 1°C

Question 2

Give Formular for Specific Heat Capacity

Answer 2

Energy Required (J) = Specific Heat Capacity (c) x mass (g) x Temperature rise (°C)

Temperature can be 1°C or 1K (they are equal in terms of amount)

Question 3

What is the unit for Specific Heat Capacity

Answer 3

c = J/(g°C)

Question 4

What is Specifc heat Capacity of Water?

Answer 4

4.18 J/(g°C)

Question 5

Why does water have a relatively higher specific heat capacity than other substances?

Answer 5

1. Water can take in large amounts of energy without heating up, in comparison to other substances.
2. This is because it possess strong Hydrogen bonds between moelcules.
3. Hydrogen bonds are good at storing enegry within their bonds.

Question 6

Compared to metallic lattices, the specific heat capacity of molecular substances in what and why?

Answer 6

Covalent Bonds
* Generally have a higher specific heat capacity
* They can store energy within their bonds and intermolecular interactions

Metallic Lattices
* Have lower Specific Heat Capacity
* Metals re-radiate heat energy