Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of one unit of a substance by one degree Celsius. It is usually measured in joules per gram per degree Celsius (J/g°C).
Specific heat capacity is an intrinsic property of a substance, while heat capacity is an extensive property dependent on the mass of the substance. This means that specific heat capacity is constant for a particular substance, while heat capacity can vary depending on the amount of the substance.
Specific heat capacity is important in understanding how substances absorb and release heat energy. It is also useful in calculating the amount of heat required for temperature changes in various applications, such as cooking and thermodynamics.
Specific heat capacity can be measured using a calorimeter, which is an insulated container used to measure changes in temperature. The amount of heat energy absorbed or released by the substance is then calculated using the formula q = mcΔT, where q is the heat energy, m is the mass, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature.
The specific heat capacity of a substance can be affected by its physical and chemical properties, such as its molecular structure, density, and phase. It can also vary with temperature and pressure. Additionally, impurities and mixtures can also affect the specific heat capacity of a substance.