This definitions covers Key Definitions within Specific Heat Capacity for GCSE Physics. Revise Specific Heat Capacity in Energy for GCSE Physics with 15 exam-style questions and 13 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 9 of 15 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
📖 Key Definitions
Specific heat capacity (c): The energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C. Units: J/kg°C.
Temperature change (Δθ): The difference between the final and initial temperatures. Δθ = θ_final − θ_initial. Units: °C (or K for identical numerical value).
Thermal capacity: The total energy needed to raise the temperature of an object by 1°C. Equals mass × SHC. Units: J/°C.
Thermal equilibrium: The state where two objects in contact have reached the same temperature and there is no net flow of heat between them.
Practice questions for Specific Heat Capacity
What does the specific heat capacity of a substance measure?
Water has a specific heat capacity of 4200 J/kg°C, much higher than most other common substances. Explain why this makes water useful in central heating systems.