Heat Capacity and specific heat

[garyd]

Homework Statement

I am confused about what the difference between specific heat and heat capacity is. I have a block of metal (Aluminium) which I had to record dimensions and calculate the heat capacity of the block.
I am just wondering am I doing the correct calculation?

Homework Equations

Heat capacity = specific heat * mass (units J/°C)

 

[lightgrav]

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".

 

[garyd]

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".

Thanks very much.