Chapter 5, Problem 26R

To determine

To state: The term used to describe the energy required to raise the temperature of 1kg of material by 1°C.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Every substance absorbs a different amount of thermal energy from the heat source which depends upon its individual properties. Due to the absorption of this thermal energy, its temperature changes, which depend upon the nature of the substance.

The specific heat of a material is defined as the amount of heat energy that is needed to increase the temperature of 1 kg material by $1°\text{C}$ . It is measured in $\text{J}/\text{kg°C}$ . For example, water has a higher specific heat as compared to copper. It means that water can absorb more heat energy than copper without showing much rise in its temperature. It depends upon the mass of the substance, temperature change in it and also on its nature. Thus, the values of specific heat vary from one body to another body.

Conclusion:

The energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of material by 1°C is a material’s specific heat.