Understanding Specific Heat Units (hg-C)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the units of specific heat, specifically the notation "hg-C" used in a problem involving the specific heat of air. Participants are trying to clarify the meaning of these units and whether they are correct or a typographical error.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the meaning of "hg-C" in the context of specific heat, noting that specific heat is typically expressed in J/C.
  • Another participant suggests that the correct unit should be kJ/(kg C), indicating a possible misreading of "hg" as "kg."
  • A different participant insists that the units are indeed kJ/(hg-C) and speculates that "hg" might refer to mercury.
  • Another response dismisses the mercury reference and suggests it is likely a typing mistake, reiterating the previous claim about the correct units.
  • One participant provides a general value for the specific heat of air, stating it is around 1 kJ/kg.K (or kJ/kg.C) and emphasizes that the exact value can depend on temperature, reinforcing the idea of a typographical error.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the meaning of "hg-C." While some believe it is a typographical error, others maintain that the notation is correct as presented.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the definition of "hg" and its appropriateness in the context of specific heat. The discussion also highlights the potential confusion between specific heat and heat capacity.

scumbum22
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Hopefully this is a really simple question to answer. A problem I have uses the following information:

The specific heat of air = 1.05 kJ/hg-C.

Does anyone know what the hg-C stands for? I know specific heat is usually expressed in terms of J/C, so this is confusing me.
 
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The units of specific heat are energy per unit of mass per unit of temperature. Thus it should read kJ/(kg C). I think you misread the unit and ended up with hg instead of kg.
 
Nope, I double checked and the units are definitely kJ/(hg-C). Any ideas as to what the hg may be? Is it some reference to mercury?
 
It doesn't refer to mercury. Let's say it's a typing mistake. I stand by my previous post
 
The specific heat of air is of the order of 1 kJ/kg.K (or kJ/kg.C). The exact value depends on temperature. So it is a typo, no doubt.
The units J/C (asuming C stands for Celsius degree) are for heat capacity and not for specific heat.
 

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