Specific heat capacity (the very basics)

[Cliff Hanley]

The specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy
needed to raise 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C.

Q. So the specific heat capacity of water is 4.184kJ (given that 1 Cal (large calorie aka the kg calorie aka the food calorie) is required to do the same, ie, raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 degree C and 1 Cal is equivalent to 4.184kJ?

Q. 1 cal (small calorie aka gramme calorie) is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1g of water by 1 degree C, yes? 1 cal = 4.184J.

Q. 1 Cal = 1000 cal? 1 Cal = 1kcal?

 

[BvU]

No need for question marks. You say it yourself: the food cal is the large calorie. Very unfortunate and very confusing, I agree.
Well observed!

 

[CWatters]

Makes me quite glad I was never taught about Calories.

Q. So the specific heat capacity of water is 4.184kJ

Personally I think it's much better to be explicit with the units eg..

The specific heat capacity of water is 4.184 kJ/kg°C