The change in internal energy when the temperature of 1 kg of the material changes by 1°C.

The unit for the specific heat capacity of a material.

Calculating specific heat capacity (∆ Q = m c  ∆ θ)

Combined science

In the Nuclear physics unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to learn about subatomic particles, unstable nuclei, radioactive decay, ionising radiation and radioactive half-life.

In the Particle explanations of density and pressure unit, pupils learnt how the arrangement and movement of particles in solids, liquids and gases explain density, pressure, floating and convection.

Energy of moving particles

change in energy of 1 kg of a material needed to heat it by 1°C

Match the key word or phrase to the definitions.

Which of the following is the energy required to heat an object and change its temperature directly proportional to?

Water has a specific heat capacity of 4200 J/kg/°C, calculate the energy required to increase the temperature of 1.5 kg of water from 30°C to 80°C.

A heater increases the temperature of samples of different materials by 10°C. The masses and energy required are shown.
Starting with the greatest, sort them in order of specific heat capacity.

A sample of a new plastic has a mass of 250 g. When provided with 6.0 kJ its temperature increases from 20°C to 50°C. Calculate the specific heat capacity of the sample.

In a test, a 500 g sample of a liquid with specific heat capacity of 1500 J/kg/°C is heated with 60.0 kJ of energy. The starting temperature of the sample was 5.5°C. Calculate the final temperature.

Which of the following is the correct unit used for temperature change?

They are poor thermal conductors and reduce heat loss to the ground.

They are much more comfortable than hard surfaces.

This is the only place energy can escape from a house.

Why does using thick carpets save people money on heating bills?

Which of the following is the correct unit for specific heat capacity?

All the kettles will boil at the same time.

Three identical kettles are used to heat water from the same starting temperature. Kettle A contains 0.5 kg, kettle B contains 1.0 kg and kettle C contains 1.5 kg. Which statements are correct?

A glass of fizzy pop at a temperature of 4°C.

Which of the following has the largest store of thermal energy?

The temperature of the metal changes more than the temperature of the water.

The temperature of the metal changes less than the temperature of the water.

The temperature change of the metal and water are equal.

The water and metal will eventually reach the same temperature.

A small piece of red-hot metal is dropped into a large bucket of water. Which of the following statements are correct?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Calculating specific heat capacity (∆ Q = m c ∆ θ)

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.