Question 1

What is specific heat capacity?

Accepted Answer

It is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one unit mass of a substance by one degree.

Question 2

Why does water have a high specific heat?

Accepted Answer

Water's hydrogen bonding requires significant energy to break, giving it a specific heat of about 4186.8 J/(kg·K).

Question 3

Are cal/(g·°C), kcal/(kg·°C), and BTU/(lb·°F) the same?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they are numerically equal. All three equal approximately 4186.8 J/(kg·K). This convenient identity comes from the historical definitions of the calorie and BTU both being based on water.

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