Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1 degree Celsius per unit mass.
Water's high specific heat capacity makes it an effective regulator of temperature, preventing drastic changes in temperature in both living organisms and the environment.
As the temperature of water increases, its specific heat capacity decreases. This means that it requires less energy to raise the temperature of water at higher temperatures.
Compared to other common substances, water has a relatively high specific heat capacity. This is due to its molecular structure and strong hydrogen bonds, which allow it to absorb and retain heat energy more effectively.
Changing the temperature of water can have various effects on its physical properties. For example, as water's temperature increases, it expands and becomes less dense, causing it to float on top of colder water. This also plays a crucial role in the water cycle and the distribution of heat on Earth's surface.