Question

Which of the substances A, B or C has the highest specific heat? The temperature vs time graph is shown.

(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) All have similar Specific heat

Answer 1

Hint The given graph represents 3 substances A, B , and C on their behavioral characteristics due to change in temperature. Specific heat of a substance is defined as the amount of heat required by the substance to raise the overall temperature of the substance by one degree. Apply this concept to justify your answer.

Complete Step By Step Solution
Specific heat of any substance is defined as the quantity of heat required to increase the temperature of the substance by one degree. It is also given as the ratio of heat capacity of the substance that is heated to the mass of the substance. According to this relation, we can see that specific heat is inversely proportional to the mass of the substance. But, in our given graph, the masses of the substances aren’t mentioned.
But from the same relation we can see that specific heat is directly proportional to the change in temperature of the substance. The substance which gets heated more or under application of heat for a longer period of time, is expected to have a greater specific heat quotient.
In our graph, A undergoes heating under high temperature but for rather a short period of time. Hence, its heating capacity is quite lesser than the rest of the given substances. Body B undergoes heating for a greater period of time than that of substance A, but lesser than C. Thus, body C is said to be having greater specific heat than the other substances.

Thus, Option (c) is the right answer.

Note
Specific heat of water is higher than any other substance or medium. Water plays a vital role in regulating the temperature of any substance. The specific heat quotient of water per gram is much higher than the specific heat of a metal.