Real-World Examples of Specific Heat Capacity in Action

📚 Quick Study Guide

• ✅ Specific Heat Capacity (c): The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1 degree Celsius (or 1 Kelvin).
• ✅ Formula: $Q = mcΔT$, where:
  • $Q$ is the heat energy (in Joules)
  • $m$ is the mass (in grams)
  • $c$ is the specific heat capacity (in J/g°C)
  • $ΔT$ is the change in temperature (in °C)
• ✅ Water's High Specific Heat: Water has a relatively high specific heat capacity (4.186 J/g°C), meaning it takes a lot of energy to change its temperature. This is why coastal climates are more moderate.
• ✅ Land vs. Water: Land heats up and cools down faster than water due to its lower specific heat capacity.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Question 1: Which of the following materials would heat up the fastest when exposed to the same amount of heat?
   1. A. Water (c = 4.186 J/g°C)
   2. B. Aluminum (c = 0.900 J/g°C)
   3. C. Iron (c = 0.450 J/g°C)
   4. D. Wood (c = 1.760 J/g°C)
2. Question 2: Why do coastal areas typically experience more moderate temperatures than inland areas?
   1. A. Coastal areas are closer to the sun.
   2. B. The ocean has a low specific heat capacity.
   3. C. The ocean has a high specific heat capacity.
   4. D. Coastal areas have less wind.
3. Question 3: What is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 100g of water by 10°C (Specific heat of water = 4.186 J/g°C)?
   1. A. 418.6 J
   2. B. 4186 J
   3. C. 41.86 J
   4. D. 41860 J
4. Question 4: In a car engine, why is a coolant with a high specific heat capacity used?
   1. A. To freeze the engine.
   2. B. To quickly transfer heat away from the engine.
   3. C. To increase the engine's temperature.
   4. D. To reduce the engine's weight.
5. Question 5: Which of the following is an example of using specific heat capacity to regulate temperature in buildings?
   1. A. Using metal roofs to reflect sunlight.
   2. B. Using concrete walls to absorb and release heat slowly.
   3. C. Using glass windows to trap heat.
   4. D. Using wood frames for insulation.
6. Question 6: Why does it take longer to cook food in boiling water at high altitudes compared to sea level?
   1. A. Water boils at a higher temperature at high altitudes.
   2. B. Water boils at a lower temperature at high altitudes.
   3. C. The specific heat capacity of water is lower at high altitudes.
   4. D. The specific heat capacity of water is higher at high altitudes.
7. Question 7: If you have equal masses of two substances, A and B, and A has a higher specific heat capacity than B, which substance will experience a smaller temperature change when the same amount of heat is applied?
   1. A. Substance A
   2. B. Substance B
   3. C. Both will experience the same temperature change.
   4. D. It depends on the initial temperature.