Specific Heat Capacity

Question 1

What is the definition of specific heat capacity?

Answer 1

A measure of the capacity a certain material can contain
OR
The amount of energy required to heat 1kg of a substance by 1°C

Question 2

Water has a high specific heat capacity
Sand has a low specific heat capacity
Are these true?

Answer 2

Yes they are both true.
Water absorbs heat slowly (cool), and releases energy for longer (warm)
Sand absorbs heat fast (hot), and releases their energy quickly (cool)

Question 3

In terms of energy transfer, how is a rise in temperature different to a drop in temperature?

Answer 3

When a substance rises in temperature, it gains energy.

When a substance decreases in temperature, it releases energy

Question 4

Match the parts of the equation to their units

a) SHC
b) Mass
c) Energy
d) Temperature change

1) °C
2) J
3) J/kg°C
4) kg

Answer 4

a) 3
b) 4
c) 2
d) 1

Question 5

Energy =

Answer 5

mass x SHC x Temperature change

Question 6

SHC =

Answer 6

mass x temperature change

Question 7

WHat is the specific heat capacity of water?

don’t think you need to remember it anymore but doesn’t hurt

Answer 7

4200J/kg°C

Question 8

What does an immersion heater do?

Answer 8

It emits a heat at a known rate in Watts
SHC = energy transferred ÷ (mass x temp change), and Power (Watts) is energy transferred ÷ time. Could be rearranged to be useful