The discussion clarifies the distinction between specific heat capacity and heat capacity, emphasizing their definitions and units. Heat capacity (C) is an object property measured in joules per kelvin (J/K) and calculated using the formula C = mc, where m is mass. In contrast, specific heat capacity (c) is a material property measured in joules per kilogram kelvin (J/kgK) and is defined by the formula c = C/m. The terms are often confused, with "specific heat capacity" frequently shortened incorrectly to "specific heat."
PREREQUISITESStudents studying physics, particularly those focusing on thermodynamics, as well as educators and professionals involved in materials science and engineering applications related to heat transfer.
lightgrav said:Correct use of the vocabulary:
"heat capacity" is an object property ... the block ... units J/K , symbol C , formula mc
"specific heat capacity" is a material property ... aluminum... , units J/kgK, symbol c , (formula C/m)
(if the mass has been divided out, it is called "specific", ... as "specific impulse" of a propellant material).
"specific heat capacity" is often improperly shortened to "specific heat".