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Specific Heat Capacity - A Level Physics Definition

Reviewed by: Leander Oates

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What is specific heat capacity?

In A Level Physics, specific heat capacity is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C (or 1 K) without a change of state.

Specific heat capacity uses the following equation:

increment Q space equals space m c increment theta

Where:

  • increment Q = change in thermal energy, measured in joules (straight J)

  • m = mass of the substance being heated, measured in kilograms (kg)

  • c = specific heat capacity of the substance, measured in joules per kilogram per degree Celsius (straight J space kg to the power of negative 1 end exponent degree straight C to the power of negative 1 end exponent) or kelvin (straight J space kg to the power of negative 1 end exponent space straight K to the power of negative 1 end exponent)

  • increment theta = change in temperature, measured in degrees Celsius (degree straight C) or kelvin (straight K)

Some exam boards use different symbols in this equation. Use our exam board specific revision notes to find out which symbols your exam board uses.

Specific heat capacity helps explain why different substances heat up or cool down at different rates when exposed to the same conditions.

In A Level Physics, understanding specific heat capacity is crucial for solving problems related to thermal energy transfer and energy calculations.

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Leander Oates

Reviewer: Leander Oates

Expertise: Senior Physics Content Creator

Leander graduated with First-class honours in Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her dedication to science and teaching excellence. After teaching and tutoring both science and maths students, Leander now brings this passion for helping young people reach their potential to her work at SME.

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