Question

Two substances, A and B, have the same mass. Substance A has a higher specific heat capacity than substance B. What consequences would you expect when these substances are subjected to the same amount of heat energy?

Options

• Substance A will experience a smaller temperature change than substance B.

• Substance A will experience a larger temperature change than substance B.

• Both substances will experience the same temperature change.

• Either of them can show a greater change in temperature as the temperature change depends on factors other than specific heat capacity.

Answer 1

Substance A will experience a smaller temperature change than substance B.

Explanation:

For the same heat supplied and mass, the temperature change is ΔT = `Q/(mc)`. A has the higher specific heat capacity, so its temperature changes less. B, with the lower specific heat capacity, has the greater temperature change.