Calculating specific heat capacity (∆Q = m c ∆θ)
I can make calculations using the equation ΔQ = m c Δθ.
Calculating specific heat capacity (∆Q = m c ∆θ)
I can make calculations using the equation ΔQ = m c Δθ.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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 or 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 (J/kg ºC).
Keywords
Specific heat capacity - The change in internal energy when the temperature of 1 kg of the material changes by 1°C.
Joules / kilogram degrees C - The unit for the specific heat capacity of a material (J/kg ºC).
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 how much energy needs to be transferred to heat it up.
To help you plan your year 10 physics lesson on: Calculating specific heat capacity (∆Q = m c ∆θ), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 physics lesson on: Calculating specific heat capacity (∆Q = m c ∆θ), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 physics lessons from the Energy of moving particles unit, dive into the full secondary physics curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the change in energy required to heat 1 kg of a material by 1°C
the unit of energy
the unit of mass
a unit of temperature
the unit for specific heat capacity