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.