Why does water have a high specific heat?

AI Thread Summary
Water's high specific heat is primarily attributed to its molecular structure and the presence of hydrogen bonds. The polarity of water molecules allows them to form strong hydrogen bonds, which require significant energy to break. This energy absorption leads to a high specific heat capacity, meaning water can absorb a lot of heat without a significant change in temperature. Additionally, water's low molecular mass contributes to its specific heat, as more moles per kilogram can enhance its thermal properties. The non-linear nature of the water molecule also plays a role, as all three rotational degrees of freedom contribute to its specific heat capacity. Understanding these factors is crucial for grasping why water is effective in regulating temperature in biological systems.
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I am writting an essay for AP biology when I realize I am not entirely sure why water has a high specific heat. I thought for a moment it may be because of its polarity and hydrogen bonds keeping the molecules from moving too much too easily in a sense. I only have one day to do that's . I searched google and all I got were pages saying that water has high specific heat, but not why.

Thanks :smile:
 
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Because it is one of the lightest non-linear molecules.

1. low molecular mass - so more moles per kg
2. non-linear molecule - all 3 rotational degrees of freedom contribute to the specific heat

PS : see also NH3
 

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