Specific heat capacity

Question 1

What is the specific heat capacity of a substance

Answer 1

The amount of energy required to raised 1kg of the substance by 1 degree Celsius

Question 2

Equation

Answer 2

ΔE= m x c x Δθ

Change in energy= mass (kg) x specific heat capacity (J/kg degrees) x change in temp (degrees)

Question 3

Large vs small SHC

Answer 3

Objects with a large SHC will require more energy to have their temperature increased but will release more energy when their temperature decreases, vice versa for small SHC

Question 4

Energy transfer by heating

Answer 4

Energy is transferred via heating from hotter objects to colder objects

Question 5

Insulation

Answer 5

Insulation reduces the rate at which energy enters or leaves an object via heating

Question 6

Factors affecting insulation

Answer 6

Thickness of insulation or using a material with lower thermal conductivity will increase insulation

Question 7

Thermal conductivity

Answer 7

The higher the thermal conductivity of a material the higher the rate of energy transfer by conduction across the material