1.1.7 Thermal Energy

• Energy in the thermal store of an object is responsible for its temperature.
• The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of a given mass of a substance by a given amount can be calculated using the equation: ΔE = mcΔθ.
• The specific heat capacity of a substance is defined as: The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C.
• Different substances have different specific heat capacities.
• If a substance has a low specific heat capacity, it heats up and cools down quickly, taking less energy to change its temperature.
• If a substance has a high specific heat capacity, it heats up and cools down slowly, taking more energy to change its temperature.
• Specific heat capacity is mainly used for liquids and solids.
• The specific heat capacity of different substances determines how useful they would be for a specific purpose, such as choosing the best material for kitchen appliances.
• Good electrical conductors, such as copper and lead, are excellent thermal conductors due to their low specific heat capacity.
• Water has a very high specific heat capacity, making it ideal for heating homes as the water remains hot in a radiator for a long time.