Specific Heat Capacity
The heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one kelvin.
Formula / equation
c = q / (mΔT)
Unit
J/(kg·K)
In depth
Specific heat capacity reflects how many ways a substance can store energy internally, so complex molecules with many vibrational modes have high values. Water's exceptionally high capacity, caused by its hydrogen-bonded network, moderates climate and makes it an excellent coolant.
Examples in the real world
Water is 4180 J/(kg·K), aluminium 900, and lead only 128, which is why lead heats up so quickly.