Specific Heat Capacity v Specific Latent Heat (AQA GCSE Physics)

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Specific Heat Capacity v Specific Latent Heat

  • The specific heat capacity and specific latent heat are slightly different, and it is important not to confuse one for the other
  • Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by a certain amount
    • The substance will still be in the same state, just raised to a different temperature
    • E.g. A liquid heated from 5 °C to 20 °C

  • Specific latent heat is the amount of heat energy needed to cause a change of state, i.e. the boiling of water or the melting of ice
    • The substance will be changing states, but still at the same temperature
    • E.g. A liquid evaporating into a gas

Latent Heat v Specific Heat, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Difference between specific latent heat and specific heat capacity

  • The following table summaries the differences between specific heat capacity and specific latent heat:

Specific Heat Capacity vs. Specific Latent Heat Table

Comparing Specific and Latent Table, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

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Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.