Scientific

Specific Heat Capacity

Definition

Specific heat capacity is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C (or 1 K).

Explanation

Water has an exceptionally high specific heat capacity of 4,186 J/(kg·K), which is why oceans moderate coastal climates and why water is used in radiators. By contrast, copper is only 385 J/(kg·K), meaning it heats and cools far more rapidly. This property governs everything from cooking times to engine cooling system design.

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