Chapter 10, Problem 23A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason of higher or lower specific heat capacity of metals compared to non-metals needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: Specific heat capacity can be defined as the heat in joules that is required to raise the temperature of 1 g of substance by 1°C. The relation between specific heat capacity and heat required is shown below:

  $\begin{array}{l}\text{q = m× C × ΔT}\\ \text{q = heat }\\ \text{m = mass }\\ \text{C = specific heat capacity }\\ \text{ΔT= temperature change}\end{array}$

Answer to Problem 23A

The specific heat of metals is lower than non-metals.

Explanation of Solution

Non-metals are the elements in which the atoms have covalent linkage with each other whereas metals have metallic bonds between metal ions and free mobile electrons.

Since metals are good conductor of heat therefore less heat is required to raise their temperature by 1°C which decreases their specific heat capacity compare to non-metals.

Conclusion

The specific heat capacity is related to the conductivity of metals and non-metals