To calculate the specific heat (\(c\)):
\[ c = \frac{Q}{m \cdot \Delta T} \]
Where:
Specific heat is a fundamental property of a substance that measures its ability to absorb or release heat energy when the temperature changes. It quantifies the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a given amount of a substance by a certain degree.
Specific heat is crucial because it helps us understand how different substances respond to changes in temperature. By knowing the specific heat of a substance, we can predict how it will behave when exposed to heat or cold. For example, substances with low specific heat require less energy to heat up, making them heat up quickly and cool down rapidly. On the other hand, substances with high specific heat need more energy to heat up, so they heat up slowly and retain heat for longer periods.
This property has various practical applications. For instance, it helps in designing efficient heating and cooling systems for buildings. By understanding the specific heat of different materials used in construction, engineers can determine the amount of energy required to heat or cool a room, ensuring optimal temperature control while minimizing energy waste. Additionally, specific heat is crucial in determining proper insulation materials that can reduce heat transfer and minimize energy consumption.
Let's assume the following values:
Using the formula:
\[ c = \frac{5000}{2 \cdot 10} = \frac{5000}{20} = 250 \text{ J/(kg·°C)} \]
The specific heat is 250 J/(kg·°C).
Let's assume the following values:
Using the formula:
\[ c = \frac{8000}{4 \cdot 20} = \frac{8000}{80} = 100 \text{ J/(kg·°C)} \]
The specific heat is 100 J/(kg·°C).