What is the formula for specific heat capacity?

The formula for specific heat capacity is q = mcΔT.

The specific heat capacity of a substance is a measure of the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a given quantity of the substance by a certain temperature. It is represented by the formula q = mcΔT, where 'q' is the heat energy absorbed or released by the substance, 'm' is the mass of the substance, 'c' is the specific heat capacity, and 'ΔT' is the change in temperature.

In this formula, 'q' is measured in joules (J), 'm' is measured in kilograms (kg), 'c' is measured in joules per kilogram per degree Celsius (J/kg°C), and 'ΔT' is measured in degrees Celsius (°C). The specific heat capacity 'c' is a characteristic property of the substance, meaning it is unique to each substance and does not change unless the substance itself changes.

To use this formula, you would first measure or know the mass of the substance and the change in its temperature. Then, you would multiply these values by the specific heat capacity of the substance to find the amount of heat energy absorbed or released. For example, if you have 2 kg of water (with a specific heat capacity of 4.18 J/kg°C) and its temperature increases by 3°C, the amount of heat energy absorbed by the water would be q = (2 kg)(4.18 J/kg°C)(3°C) = 25.08 J.

Remember, the specific heat capacity is an intensive property, meaning it does not depend on the amount of substance present. This makes it a very useful property in many areas of physics and engineering, as it allows us to predict how different substances will behave when heated or cooled.