What is specific heat capacity?

• A. The amount of heat to change temperature by 1°C for 1kg
• B. The total heat required to raise 1kg of water by 1°C
• C. The heat energy required to change phase without temperature change
• D. The thermal energy to heat 1m³ of substance

Answer: (A)

Specific heat capacity is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by 1°C (or 1 K). Therefore, the correct choice aligns precisely with this definition—it focuses on the heat energy needed to achieve a specific temperature increase for a set mass, specifically 1 kg.

This concept is important in understanding how different materials absorb and transfer heat, which is particularly relevant in fields like refrigeration and air conditioning where thermal management is crucial.

While other choices might contain elements of thermal properties, they do not accurately define specific heat capacity. For example, the second option refers specifically to water and describes a unique case rather than the general definition applicable to all substances. The third option relates to latent heat, which concerns phase change rather than temperature change. The fourth option describes a volumetric approach, which does not convey the mass-specific nature of specific heat capacity.