Why does water have a high specific heat?

Water's hydrogen bonds require significant energy to break, giving it one of the highest specific heat capacities of any common substance, which is why it resists temperature change.

Specific Heat Calculator

Calculate the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance, given its mass, specific heat capacity, and temperature change.

Inputs

Results

Heat Energy (Q): 41,840 J

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Formula

Q = mcΔT

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Specific Heat and Significant Figures: Two Foundational Science Skills

The specific heat formula and the rules for counting significant figures, explained with worked examples.

Frequently Asked Questions

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