Specific Heat Capacity
Objectives
(a) define and apply the concept of specific
heat capacity;
(b) select and apply the equation E = mcΔθ;
(c) describe an electrical experiment to
determine the specific heat capacity of a solid
or a liquid;
OUTCOMES
• ALL MUST
• Be able to define specific heat capacity.
• Be able to select and apply the equation
E = mcΔθ to a number of different situations
correctly.
• MOST SHOULD
• Be able to describe an electrical experiment
to determine the specific heat capacity of a
solid or a liquid.
Specific Heat Capacity
• Different materials will lose their heat at different
rates depending on a factor called their Specific
Heat Capacity.
•
• The specific heat capacity of a material is the
amount of energy (J) that is needed to raise the
temperature of 1kg of the substance by 1 degree
C.
• Its unit is written J/kg ˚C.
• Aluminium has a specific heat capacity of 880J/kg˚C.
• Steel has a specific heat capacity of 420J/kg˚C.
• Water has a specific heat capacity of 4200 J/kg˚C.
• The energy needed to raise the
temperature of a material is given by the
equation:
Energy needed (J) = specific heat
capacity (J/kg˚C) x mass (kg) x change
in temperature (˚C)
OUTCOMES
• ALL MUST
• Be able to define specific heat capacity.
• Be able to select and apply the equation
E = mcΔθ to a number of different situations
correctly.
• MOST SHOULD
• Be able to describe an electrical experiment
to determine the specific heat capacity of a
solid or a liquid.