# Specific heat capacity

The energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 degree C. Energy = mass x specific heat capacity x temperature change.

Physics (school) · Part 04: Particles and heat · Card 4 of 8 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

Some materials are stubborn: water takes lots of energy to warm up, copper takes very little.

## Example

**Heating water**

m = 2 kg, c = 4,200 J/kg per degree
temperature rise = 10 degrees
E = 2 x 4,200 x 10
E = 84,000 J

## In practice

Water's high value makes it good for hot-water bottles and car coolant.

## Practice

### Flashcards

- **Give the formula for energy needed to heat a substance.** Energy = mass x specific heat capacity x temperature change.

### Interview questions

**Calculate how much energy is needed to heat 3 kg of water from 20 to 30 degrees C. The specific heat capacity of water is 4,200 J/kg per degree.**

- Temperature change = 10 degrees
- Use E = m x c x temperature change
- E = 3 x 4,200 x 10 = 126,000 J

## Questions people ask

### What does a high specific heat capacity mean?

It means the material needs a lot of energy to warm up by one degree, and also releases a lot as it cools. Water has a high value, 4,200 J/kg per degree. That is why the sea warms slowly in summer and cools slowly in autumn.

### How do I use E = mc(delta T)?

Write mass in kilograms, specific heat capacity in J per kg per degree, and the temperature change in degrees C. Multiply the three to get the energy in joules. For a 0.5 kg block of aluminium (900) warmed by 20 degrees: 0.5 x 900 x 20 = 9,000 J.

## Related concepts

- [Changes of state](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/physics-school/physics-school-part-4/physics-school-part-4-concept-3)
- [Conduction](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/physics-school/physics-school-part-4/physics-school-part-4-concept-5)
- [Convection](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/physics-school/physics-school-part-4/physics-school-part-4-concept-6)
- [Thermal radiation](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/physics-school/physics-school-part-4/physics-school-part-4-concept-7)

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