Specific heat capacity

The specific heat capacity (abbreviated C, also called specific heat) of a substance is defined as the amount of heat energy (measured in Joules) required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of the substance by one Kelvin. The SI unit for specific heat capacity is the joule per kilogram Kelvin. Specific heat capacity is therefore heat capacity per unit mass. Heat capacity can be measured by using calorimetry.

The equivalent definition using cgs units is the amount of heat energy (measured in ergs) required to raise the temperature of one gram of the substance by one degree Celsius.

Factors that influence heat capacity measurements

• The temperature of the substance. For example, measuring the heat capacity of water produces different results if the starting point is 20 °C rather than 60 °C.
• Intermolecular forces. If a fluid has stronger intermolecular forces (such as hydrogen bonding in water) then the heat capacity is likely to be higher.

Table of specific heat capacities

Related concepts

• specific melting heat
• specific heat of vaporization

See also

• Phase (matter)
• Changes of state by heat
• Latent heat

• Heat capacity temperature
• Volumetric heat capacity

ca:Calor específica da:Varmefylde de:Spezifische Wärmekapazität fr:Capacité calorique spécifique nl:Specifieke warmte ja:比熱容量 pl:Ciepło właściwe sl:Specifična toplota ru:Удельная теплоёмкость