Among the following substances, which one has highest specific heat ca...
Neutrinos would have the highest specific heat capacity if they qualify, because specific heat capacity is related to degrees of freedom per unit of mass, which is directly related to mass per particle (I can't call it atomic mass for particles smaller than H!), and their weight per particle is far, far lower than that of any element (or any other particle for that matter). However, neutrinos do not interact with photons and so can not absorb heat in the way normal substances do, so they probably don't qualify.The highest specific heat capacity is of the water
Therefore option (B) water is correct.
Among the following substances, which one has highest specific heat ca...
Understanding Specific Heat Capacity
Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius. It is a crucial property in thermodynamics and helps in understanding how different substances respond to heat.
Comparison of Substances
- Kerosene: Has a specific heat capacity ranging from 1.9 to 2.1 J/g°C. It is reasonably efficient in heat storage but lower than water.
- Water: Water has a specific heat capacity of about 4.18 J/g°C, which is significantly higher than most substances. This high value allows water to absorb and retain heat effectively, making it essential for various biological and environmental processes.
- Edible Oil: Edible oils, such as olive or canola oil, typically have a specific heat capacity around 2.0 J/g°C, which is lower than that of water.
- Ice: Ice has a specific heat capacity of approximately 2.1 J/g°C. While it can store heat, it is still less effective than water in terms of heat capacity.
Conclusion
Among the options provided, water has the highest specific heat capacity. This property plays a vital role in regulating climate, supporting life, and influencing weather patterns. The ability of water to absorb large quantities of heat without a significant increase in temperature makes it an excellent coolant and a key component in many chemical processes.