Heat Capacity — Chemistry Definition | AllChemicals | AllChemicals

What is Heat Capacity?

Heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree (Celsius or Kelvin). Specific heat capacity is the heat capacity per unit mass (J/g·K). Molar heat capacity is per mole (J/mol·K). Water has an exceptionally high specific heat capacity (4.184 J/g·K), which moderates Earth's climate. Heat capacity depends on the physical state and temperature of the substance.

Key Facts

Term Heat Capacity

Index All "H" terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Heat Capacity?

Heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree (Celsius or Kelvin). Specific heat capacity is the heat capacity per unit mass (J/g·K). Molar heat capacity is per mole (J/mol·K). Water has an exceptionally high specific heat capacity (4.184 J/g·K), which moderates Earth's climate. Heat capacity depends on the physical state and temperature of the substance.

More "H" Terms

Haber Process N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃ | ΔH = −92 kJ/mol Hafnium Hf Half Cell Half Life Half-Cell E = E° − (RT/nF)lnQ Half-Life A(t) = A₀e^(−λt); t½ = ln2/λ Half-Reaction Halide X⁻ (e.g., F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻) Halogen F₂, Cl₂, Br₂, I₂, At; Group 17; ns²np⁵ valence configuration Halogenation C-X + Cl₂/Br₂ (hv or AlCl₃) → C-X(halogen); EAS or radical pathway Halogens Hard Acid Hard acid: small, highly charged, low polarisability (e.g., H⁺, Mg²⁺, Al³⁺)

View all "H" terms →