What determines specific heat capacity of a solid?

AI Thread Summary
Specific heat capacity of solids is influenced by factors such as atomic structure and bonding. In an experiment comparing nickel and lead, it was observed that lead has a lower specific heat capacity than nickel when both are heated and placed in water. The number of moles and the nature of atomic bonds play crucial roles in determining heat capacity. The Dulong-Petit law may provide insight into the specific heat capacity of metals. Understanding these principles is essential for accurately measuring and analyzing specific heat capacities in experiments.
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Homework Statement


Have to do a write up of an experiment on specific heat capacity of metals. Tested 50g of nickel and lead, each heated to 90C and then put into 50g of water and measuring the change in its temperature. Found that lead has a lower specific heat capacity.

Homework Equations



What determines the specific heat capacity?

The Attempt at a Solution



I found that there are more mols of nickel?
Also I know that it's the bonds for things like water which affect the heat capacity, but I'm not sure how to apply this to a solid metal.
 
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