Heat Capacity Formula - Solved Examples & Practice Question
When the heat is absorbed by a body, its temperature increases, and when the body discharges or loses heat, its temperature falls. The heat capacity is the heat needed for raising the temperature of an object by a calculation of one degree. It can also be calculated as a ratio of the amount of heat energy that is given to the object for the resulting increase in the temperature. The expression for the heat capacity is \[c = \frac{{\Delta Q}}{{\Delta T}}\].
Here, ΔQ is the amount of heat that is transferred, ΔT is the increase in temperature.
There is an equal fall in temperature when the body loses the same quantity of heat. In SI units, the heat capacity can be expressed by joule per kelvin, (J/K). In the heat capacity, the body mass can have any value, which is not specified, such as unit mass etc.
An Example of the Heat Capacity
When 6400 J of heat is supplied to the body and it raises its temperature by approximately 100 degrees, then what is its heat capacity?
Solution: \[\Delta Q = 6400\,J,\,\,\,\Delta T = 100^\circ ,\,\,\,c = ?\]
Heat capacity; c \[c = \frac{{\Delta Q}}{{\Delta T}} = \frac{{6400}}{{100}} = 64\,J/K\,\,\].
Practice Questions
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FAQs on Heat Capacity Formula
1. Is it possible for the heat capacity to be negative?
Yes, it is possible for the heat capacity to be negative. There are some specific instances or systems where the heat capacity is negative. For instance, if a system loses energy, through the radiation of energy into space, average kinetic energy goes up. If the temperature is defined by average kinetic energy, then it can be said that the system has a negative heat capacity. An example of the negative heat capacity includes reversibly expanding ideal gas.
2. Why does heat capacity tend to increase with the temperature?
The specific heat provides a measure of the capability of a substance to absorb heat. The heat is used for increasing the kinetic energies of molecules. As the substance heats up, the molecules’ average kinetic energy increases. The collisions provide enough energy for allowing the rotation to happen. This rotation then adds to the internal energy and is responsible for raising the specific heat. This explains the increase of heat capacity with the temperature.
3. What is the concept behind calculating the heat capacity?
The heat capacity essentially measures the amount of energy that is needed by a substance or a material to increase its temperature by one degree. If you want to find the heat capacity for any specific object then you can use this simple formula: dividing the quantity of heat energy that is supplied by change in temperature for determining the amount of energy needed for each degree. Every material that exists tends to have its own heat capacity.
4. What are the features of the Vedantu notes on the heat capacity formula?
Vedantu is a leading platform with the most reliable and accurate learning resources for students. The Vedantun notes on heat capacity formula provides a brief explanation on the concept and includes examples as well as solved practice questions. These examples and solved practice questions go a long way in helping the students understand the practical application of concepts and thus prepare them for the different types of questions that are asked in the exams.
5. How can I download the Vedantu notes on “Heat capacity formula”?
If you want to download the Vedantu notes on “Heat capacity formula” then it is available for free on the website and the app. All you have to do is visit the specific section at Vedantu and click on the “Download PDF” button that is provided at the top of the page. This will download the notes, in the PDF format, to your device and now you can access it even offline.
