Is heat capacity a state function?

Heat capacity is an intensive property whereas specific heat capacity and molar heat capacity are extensive properties. However, all heat capacities are state functions since it does not matter HOW the heat was added or HOW the temperature was changed.

What is the heat of fusion of water?

The heat of fusion for water at 0 °C is approximately 334 joules (79.7 calories) per gram, and the heat of vaporization at 100 °C is about 2,230 joules (533 calories) per gram.

What does high heat capacity mean?

Specific heat is defined by the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance 1 degree Celsius (°C). Water has a high specific heat capacity which we’ll refer to as simply “heat capacity”, meaning it takes more energy to increase the temperature of water compared to other substances.

What heat capacity tells us?

Specific Heat Capacity Explained In short, the heat capacity tells you how much heat energy (in joules) is needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a material by 1 degree C. This tells you at a glance that it takes less energy to increase the temperature of lead than it does water.

What material has the lowest heat capacity?

Metals such as iron have low specific heat. It doesn’t take much energy to raise their temperature. That’s why a metal spoon heats up quickly when placed in a cup of hot coffee. Sand also has a relatively low specific heat.

What is an example of high heat capacity?

For example, a substance with a low heat capacity, such as iron, will heat and cool quickly, while a substance with a high heat capacity, such as water, heats and cools slowly.

Why is large specific heat capacity essential for life?

Water covers around 70% of the Earth’s surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role as it is able to absorb a lot of heat without a significant rise in the temperature. When temperatures decrease, the heat which is stored is released, restraining a rapid drop in temperature.

What substances heat up quickly?

An equal mass of water in the same sun will not become nearly as hot. We would say that water has a high heat capacity (the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of an object by 1°C.)…Heat Capacity and Specific Heat.SubstanceSpecific Heat (J/g°C)Water (s)2.06Water (g)1.87Ammonia (g)2.09Ethanol (l)2.449