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Specific Heat Capacity Definition — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModeratePhysics & Clinical MeasurementSpecific Heat Capacity DefinitionFRCA Primary

Regarding heat capacity and specific heat capacity which statement is correct?

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Correct answer: C — Specific heat capacity is the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C (or 1 K)

Specific heat capacity (c) is the energy (Joules) required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of substance by 1°C (units: J/kg/K). Water has a high specific heat capacity (4186 J/kg/K) meaning it can absorb/release large amounts of heat with relatively small temperature changes. This makes water an effective coolant and explains the large thermal mass of the body.

Reference: Al-Shaikh Stacey 2019 Essentials of Anaesthetic Equipment