Edexcel IGCSE Physics
    About Lesson

    Solved problem 1: 

     

    Suppose you have 1 kilogram (kg) of water at an initial temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, and you want to heat it to 50 degrees Celsius. The specific heat capacity (C) of water is approximately 4,186 joules per kilogram per degree Celsius.what should we do?

     

    Solution :

     

     We can use the formula to calculate the amount of heat needed (Q).

    Q = m ⋅ C ⋅ ΔT 

    Substitute the given values: 

    Q = ( 1 kg ) ⋅ ( 4 , 186 J/kg°C ) ⋅ ( 50 ° C − 20 ° C ) 

    Calculate the result: 

    Q = 1 kg ⋅ 4 , 186 J/kg°C ⋅ 30 ° C 

    Q = 125,580 Joules 

    So, you would need 125,580 Joules of heat to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water from 20 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius.

     

    Conclusion:

     

    In simpler terms, 

    specific heat capacity tells us how much heat energy is needed to 

    change the temperature of a given amount of substance.

    Different substances have different specific heat capacities, and this property

    influences their ability to absorb or release heat. 

     Water has a relatively high specific heat capacity, meaning it can absorb a

    significant amount of heat energy without undergoing a large temperature change. This

    is why large bodies of water, like oceans, exhibit more stable temperatures compared to

    land areas.

     

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