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Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by 1 K. It is expressed in the units J/ (kg K). A high specific heat of a substance means that a large amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of the substance. Water has the highest known specific heat capacity. Its specific heat capacity is 4.186 K J/ (kg K) i.e. to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4.186 KJ of heat. For comparison sake, Copper requires only 385 Joules of heat to raise 1 kilogram of copper by 1 Kelvin. It also interesting to know that the specific heat capacities in two other phases of water (i.e. ice and water vapour) are less than this. High specific heat of water is mainly due to the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds between molecules of water. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot to walk on, but the water is always cool, even in the shallows. This is because sand has a lower specific heat capacity than that of water. Sand takes less energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it requires more energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Since the sun puts same rate of energy on water and sand, which heats up sand more quickly and water more slowly. Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role to sustain life in the earth. 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. The combined effect is the buffering of heat. A relatively constant temperature without sudden rise and drop is essential to sustain life. Hence water is important for life.
Q. Specific heat capacity of water is
  • a)
    4186 J/(kg K)
  • b)
    4186 kJ/(kg K)
  • c)
    4.186 J/(kg K)
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific ...
To raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4186 J of heat. So, its specific heat capacity is 4186 J/(kg K).
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Most Upvoted Answer
Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific ...
Understanding Specific Heat Capacity of Water
The specific heat capacity of water is a crucial property that supports life on Earth. It is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 Kelvin. For water, this value is:
  • 4.186 J/(kg K) (or 4186 J/(kg K))


This high specific heat capacity means that water can absorb a large amount of heat without experiencing a significant increase in temperature.

Why is the Correct Option 'A'?
When examining the options provided:
  • Option A: 4186 J/(kg K) - This is the correct answer.
  • Option B: 4186 kJ/(kg K) - This is incorrect; it represents a much larger value, which is not applicable to water.
  • Option C: 4.186 J/(kg K) - This is also incorrect as it is a misrepresentation of the value; the correct figure is 4186 J/(kg K).
  • Option D: None of the above - This is incorrect as option A is valid.



Key Importance of High Specific Heat Capacity
The high specific heat capacity of water has several essential implications:
  • Temperature Regulation: Water can absorb heat without a significant increase in temperature, aiding in maintaining stable environmental conditions.
  • Heat Buffering: It releases stored heat during cooler periods, preventing drastic temperature drops.
  • Support for Life: The ability to regulate temperature is vital for the survival of many organisms, making water indispensable for life on Earth.


In conclusion, understanding the specific heat capacity of water is critical, and option 'A' accurately represents this fundamental property.
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Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by 1 K. It is expressed in the units J/ (kg K). A high specific heat of a substance means that a large amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of the substance. Water has the highest known specific heat capacity. Its specific heat capacity is 4.186 K J/ (kg K) i.e. to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4.186 KJ of heat. For comparison sake, Copper requires only 385 Joules of heat to raise 1 kilogram of copper by 1 Kelvin. It also interesting to know that the specific heat capacities in two other phases of water (i.e. ice and water vapour) are less than this. High specific heat of water is mainly due to the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds between molecules of water. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot to walk on, but the water is always cool, even in the shallows. This is because sand has a lower specific heat capacity than that of water. Sand takes less energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it requires more energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Since the sun puts same rate of energy on water and sand, which heats up sand more quickly and water more slowly. Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role to sustain life in the earth. 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. The combined effect is the buffering of heat. A relatively constant temperature without sudden rise and drop is essential to sustain life. Hence water is important for life.Q. Which statement is false?

Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by 1 K. It is expressed in the units J/ (kg K). A high specific heat of a substance means that a large amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of the substance. Water has the highest known specific heat capacity. Its specific heat capacity is 4.186 K J/ (kg K) i.e. to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4.186 KJ of heat. For comparison sake, Copper requires only 385 Joules of heat to raise 1 kilogram of copper by 1 Kelvin. It also interesting to know that the specific heat capacities in two other phases of water (i.e. ice and water vapour) are less than this. High specific heat of water is mainly due to the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds between molecules of water. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot to walk on, but the water is always cool, even in the shallows. This is because sand has a lower specific heat capacity than that of water. Sand takes less energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it requires more energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Since the sun puts same rate of energy on water and sand, which heats up sand more quickly and water more slowly. Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role to sustain life in the earth. 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. The combined effect is the buffering of heat. A relatively constant temperature without sudden rise and drop is essential to sustain life. Hence water is important for life.Q. Specific heat capacity of ice is ............... than and specific heat capacity of water vapour is ............... than that of water.

Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by 1 K. It is expressed in the units J/ (kg K). A high specific heat of a substance means that a large amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of the substance. Water has the highest known specific heat capacity. Its specific heat capacity is 4.186 K J/ (kg K) i.e. to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4.186 KJ of heat. For comparison sake, Copper requires only 385 Joules of heat to raise 1 kilogram of copper by 1 Kelvin. It also interesting to know that the specific heat capacities in two other phases of water (i.e. ice and water vapour) are less than this. High specific heat of water is mainly due to the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds between molecules of water. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot to walk on, but the water is always cool, even in the shallows. This is because sand has a lower specific heat capacity than that of water. Sand takes less energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it requires more energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Since the sun puts same rate of energy on water and sand, which heats up sand more quickly and water more slowly. Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role to sustain life in the earth. 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. The combined effect is the buffering of heat. A relatively constant temperature without sudden rise and drop is essential to sustain life. Hence water is important for life.Q. To raise the temperature of 1 kg of water and 1 kg of copper by 1 Kelvin, 4.186 KJ and 385 Joule of heat are required respectively. Which one will get heated up faster if exposed to sun?

Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by 1 K. It is expressed in the units J/ (kg K). A high specific heat of a substance means that a large amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of the substance. Water has the highest known specific heat capacity. Its specific heat capacity is 4.186 K J/ (kg K) i.e. to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4.186 KJ of heat. For comparison sake, Copper requires only 385 Joules of heat to raise 1 kilogram of copper by 1 Kelvin. It also interesting to know that the specific heat capacities in two other phases of water (i.e. ice and water vapour) are less than this. High specific heat of water is mainly due to the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds between molecules of water. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot to walk on, but the water is always cool, even in the shallows. This is because sand has a lower specific heat capacity than that of water. Sand takes less energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it requires more energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Since the sun puts same rate of energy on water and sand, which heats up sand more quickly and water more slowly. Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role to sustain life in the earth. 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. The combined effect is the buffering of heat. A relatively constant temperature without sudden rise and drop is essential to sustain life. Hence water is important for life.Q. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot , but the water is always cool. This is due to

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Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by 1 K. It is expressed in the units J/ (kg K). A high specific heat of a substance means that a large amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of the substance. Water has the highest known specific heat capacity. Its specific heat capacity is 4.186 K J/ (kg K) i.e. to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4.186 KJ of heat. For comparison sake, Copper requires only 385 Joules of heat to raise 1 kilogram of copper by 1 Kelvin. It also interesting to know that the specific heat capacities in two other phases of water (i.e. ice and water vapour) are less than this. High specific heat of water is mainly due to the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds between molecules of water. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot to walk on, but the water is always cool, even in the shallows. This is because sand has a lower specific heat capacity than that of water. Sand takes less energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it requires more energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Since the sun puts same rate of energy on water and sand, which heats up sand more quickly and water more slowly. Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role to sustain life in the earth. 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. The combined effect is the buffering of heat. A relatively constant temperature without sudden rise and drop is essential to sustain life. Hence water is important for life.Q. Specific heat capacity of water isa)4186 J/(kg K)b)4186 kJ/(kg K)c)4.186 J/(kg K)d)None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by 1 K. It is expressed in the units J/ (kg K). A high specific heat of a substance means that a large amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of the substance. Water has the highest known specific heat capacity. Its specific heat capacity is 4.186 K J/ (kg K) i.e. to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4.186 KJ of heat. For comparison sake, Copper requires only 385 Joules of heat to raise 1 kilogram of copper by 1 Kelvin. It also interesting to know that the specific heat capacities in two other phases of water (i.e. ice and water vapour) are less than this. High specific heat of water is mainly due to the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds between molecules of water. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot to walk on, but the water is always cool, even in the shallows. This is because sand has a lower specific heat capacity than that of water. Sand takes less energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it requires more energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Since the sun puts same rate of energy on water and sand, which heats up sand more quickly and water more slowly. Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role to sustain life in the earth. 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. The combined effect is the buffering of heat. A relatively constant temperature without sudden rise and drop is essential to sustain life. Hence water is important for life.Q. Specific heat capacity of water isa)4186 J/(kg K)b)4186 kJ/(kg K)c)4.186 J/(kg K)d)None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for Class 11 2024 is part of Class 11 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 11 exam syllabus. Information about Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by 1 K. It is expressed in the units J/ (kg K). A high specific heat of a substance means that a large amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of the substance. Water has the highest known specific heat capacity. Its specific heat capacity is 4.186 K J/ (kg K) i.e. to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4.186 KJ of heat. For comparison sake, Copper requires only 385 Joules of heat to raise 1 kilogram of copper by 1 Kelvin. It also interesting to know that the specific heat capacities in two other phases of water (i.e. ice and water vapour) are less than this. High specific heat of water is mainly due to the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds between molecules of water. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot to walk on, but the water is always cool, even in the shallows. This is because sand has a lower specific heat capacity than that of water. Sand takes less energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it requires more energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Since the sun puts same rate of energy on water and sand, which heats up sand more quickly and water more slowly. Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role to sustain life in the earth. 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. The combined effect is the buffering of heat. A relatively constant temperature without sudden rise and drop is essential to sustain life. Hence water is important for life.Q. Specific heat capacity of water isa)4186 J/(kg K)b)4186 kJ/(kg K)c)4.186 J/(kg K)d)None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Class 11 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by 1 K. It is expressed in the units J/ (kg K). A high specific heat of a substance means that a large amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of the substance. Water has the highest known specific heat capacity. Its specific heat capacity is 4.186 K J/ (kg K) i.e. to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4.186 KJ of heat. For comparison sake, Copper requires only 385 Joules of heat to raise 1 kilogram of copper by 1 Kelvin. It also interesting to know that the specific heat capacities in two other phases of water (i.e. ice and water vapour) are less than this. High specific heat of water is mainly due to the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds between molecules of water. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot to walk on, but the water is always cool, even in the shallows. This is because sand has a lower specific heat capacity than that of water. Sand takes less energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it requires more energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Since the sun puts same rate of energy on water and sand, which heats up sand more quickly and water more slowly. Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role to sustain life in the earth. 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. The combined effect is the buffering of heat. A relatively constant temperature without sudden rise and drop is essential to sustain life. Hence water is important for life.Q. Specific heat capacity of water isa)4186 J/(kg K)b)4186 kJ/(kg K)c)4.186 J/(kg K)d)None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by 1 K. It is expressed in the units J/ (kg K). A high specific heat of a substance means that a large amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of the substance. Water has the highest known specific heat capacity. Its specific heat capacity is 4.186 K J/ (kg K) i.e. to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4.186 KJ of heat. For comparison sake, Copper requires only 385 Joules of heat to raise 1 kilogram of copper by 1 Kelvin. It also interesting to know that the specific heat capacities in two other phases of water (i.e. ice and water vapour) are less than this. High specific heat of water is mainly due to the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds between molecules of water. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot to walk on, but the water is always cool, even in the shallows. This is because sand has a lower specific heat capacity than that of water. Sand takes less energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it requires more energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Since the sun puts same rate of energy on water and sand, which heats up sand more quickly and water more slowly. Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role to sustain life in the earth. 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. The combined effect is the buffering of heat. A relatively constant temperature without sudden rise and drop is essential to sustain life. Hence water is important for life.Q. Specific heat capacity of water isa)4186 J/(kg K)b)4186 kJ/(kg K)c)4.186 J/(kg K)d)None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for Class 11. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Class 11 Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by 1 K. It is expressed in the units J/ (kg K). A high specific heat of a substance means that a large amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of the substance. Water has the highest known specific heat capacity. Its specific heat capacity is 4.186 K J/ (kg K) i.e. to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4.186 KJ of heat. For comparison sake, Copper requires only 385 Joules of heat to raise 1 kilogram of copper by 1 Kelvin. It also interesting to know that the specific heat capacities in two other phases of water (i.e. ice and water vapour) are less than this. High specific heat of water is mainly due to the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds between molecules of water. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot to walk on, but the water is always cool, even in the shallows. This is because sand has a lower specific heat capacity than that of water. Sand takes less energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it requires more energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Since the sun puts same rate of energy on water and sand, which heats up sand more quickly and water more slowly. Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role to sustain life in the earth. 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. The combined effect is the buffering of heat. A relatively constant temperature without sudden rise and drop is essential to sustain life. Hence water is important for life.Q. Specific heat capacity of water isa)4186 J/(kg K)b)4186 kJ/(kg K)c)4.186 J/(kg K)d)None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by 1 K. It is expressed in the units J/ (kg K). A high specific heat of a substance means that a large amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of the substance. Water has the highest known specific heat capacity. Its specific heat capacity is 4.186 K J/ (kg K) i.e. to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4.186 KJ of heat. For comparison sake, Copper requires only 385 Joules of heat to raise 1 kilogram of copper by 1 Kelvin. It also interesting to know that the specific heat capacities in two other phases of water (i.e. ice and water vapour) are less than this. High specific heat of water is mainly due to the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds between molecules of water. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot to walk on, but the water is always cool, even in the shallows. This is because sand has a lower specific heat capacity than that of water. Sand takes less energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it requires more energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Since the sun puts same rate of energy on water and sand, which heats up sand more quickly and water more slowly. Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role to sustain life in the earth. 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. The combined effect is the buffering of heat. A relatively constant temperature without sudden rise and drop is essential to sustain life. Hence water is important for life.Q. Specific heat capacity of water isa)4186 J/(kg K)b)4186 kJ/(kg K)c)4.186 J/(kg K)d)None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by 1 K. It is expressed in the units J/ (kg K). A high specific heat of a substance means that a large amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of the substance. Water has the highest known specific heat capacity. Its specific heat capacity is 4.186 K J/ (kg K) i.e. to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4.186 KJ of heat. For comparison sake, Copper requires only 385 Joules of heat to raise 1 kilogram of copper by 1 Kelvin. It also interesting to know that the specific heat capacities in two other phases of water (i.e. ice and water vapour) are less than this. High specific heat of water is mainly due to the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds between molecules of water. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot to walk on, but the water is always cool, even in the shallows. This is because sand has a lower specific heat capacity than that of water. Sand takes less energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it requires more energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Since the sun puts same rate of energy on water and sand, which heats up sand more quickly and water more slowly. Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role to sustain life in the earth. 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. The combined effect is the buffering of heat. A relatively constant temperature without sudden rise and drop is essential to sustain life. Hence water is important for life.Q. Specific heat capacity of water isa)4186 J/(kg K)b)4186 kJ/(kg K)c)4.186 J/(kg K)d)None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by 1 K. It is expressed in the units J/ (kg K). A high specific heat of a substance means that a large amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of the substance. Water has the highest known specific heat capacity. Its specific heat capacity is 4.186 K J/ (kg K) i.e. to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4.186 KJ of heat. For comparison sake, Copper requires only 385 Joules of heat to raise 1 kilogram of copper by 1 Kelvin. It also interesting to know that the specific heat capacities in two other phases of water (i.e. ice and water vapour) are less than this. High specific heat of water is mainly due to the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds between molecules of water. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot to walk on, but the water is always cool, even in the shallows. This is because sand has a lower specific heat capacity than that of water. Sand takes less energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it requires more energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Since the sun puts same rate of energy on water and sand, which heats up sand more quickly and water more slowly. Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role to sustain life in the earth. 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. The combined effect is the buffering of heat. A relatively constant temperature without sudden rise and drop is essential to sustain life. Hence water is important for life.Q. Specific heat capacity of water isa)4186 J/(kg K)b)4186 kJ/(kg K)c)4.186 J/(kg K)d)None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Importance of high specific heat capacity of water for life Specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by 1 K. It is expressed in the units J/ (kg K). A high specific heat of a substance means that a large amount of heat is required to raise the temperature of the substance. Water has the highest known specific heat capacity. Its specific heat capacity is 4.186 K J/ (kg K) i.e. to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 Kelvin it requires 4.186 KJ of heat. For comparison sake, Copper requires only 385 Joules of heat to raise 1 kilogram of copper by 1 Kelvin. It also interesting to know that the specific heat capacities in two other phases of water (i.e. ice and water vapour) are less than this. High specific heat of water is mainly due to the presence of a large number of hydrogen bonds between molecules of water. On a beach on a sunny day, it is noticed that the sand is often quite hot to walk on, but the water is always cool, even in the shallows. This is because sand has a lower specific heat capacity than that of water. Sand takes less energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it requires more energy to raise the temperature by one degree. Since the sun puts same rate of energy on water and sand, which heats up sand more quickly and water more slowly. Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface and its high specific heat plays a very important role to sustain life in the earth. 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. The combined effect is the buffering of heat. A relatively constant temperature without sudden rise and drop is essential to sustain life. Hence water is important for life.Q. Specific heat capacity of water isa)4186 J/(kg K)b)4186 kJ/(kg K)c)4.186 J/(kg K)d)None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice Class 11 tests.
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