Calculating specific heat capacity (∆ E = m c ∆ θ)
I can make calculations using the equation ΔE = mcΔΘ.
Calculating specific heat capacity (∆ E = m c ∆ θ)
I can make calculations using the equation ΔE = mcΔΘ.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Energy transferred to increase the temperature of a substance by heating by a fixed amount is proportional to mass.
- Energy transferred to a substance by heating a fixed amount is proportional to the increase in temperature.
- Energy transferred to increase the temperature of a substance by heating is proportional to its specific heat capacity.
- Specific heat capacity equals the energy transferred to/by 1 kg of a material when its temperature changes by 1ºC.
- Specific heat capacity, c, is measured in joules per kilogram per degree Celsius.
Common misconception
Often, after teaching, pupils often do not understand what specific heat capacity means.
Discuss the size of a substance’s specific heat capacity in terms of how hard it is to heat up a certain mass of the substance and of how much energy needs to be transferred to heat it up.
Keywords
Specific heat capacity - The change in internal energy when the temperature of 1 kg of the material changes by 1°C.
Joules/kilogram/degree C - The unit for the specific heat capacity of a material.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
change in energy of 1 kg of a material when it is heated by 1°C
the unit of energy
the unit of mass
a unit of temperature
the unit of specific heat capacity