Specific heat capacity
The term ‘specific heat’ (or specific heat capacity) refers to the heat energy per unit mass (typically 1 kg) required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree Celsius.
The formula for specific heat: q=mc(Tf-Ti)
The higher the specific heat capacity of a substance, the more energy is required to raise its temperature.
Specific heat capacity (c) in J (joules) / kg °C can be calculated as:
c = E/m θ
Where:
- E is the energy transfer in J.
- m is the mass of the substances in kg.
- θ is the temperature change in °C.
Some examples of the specific heat capacities of different substances are listed below:
- Aluminum 902 J/kg°C
- Copper 385 J/kg°C
- Gold 129 J/kg°C
- Iron 450 J/kg°C
- Lead 128 J/kg°C
- NaCl 864 J/kg°C
- Oxygen 918 J/kg°C
- Water 4181 J/kg°C
- Brick / block: 840 J/kg°C
- Concrete: 880 J/kg°C
- Marble: 880 J/kg°C
- Steel: 420 J/kg°C
- Timber: 1200 J/kg°C
Specific heat capacity is one of the properties that contributes to the thermal mass of a material, that is, how much heat it can store. Water, which has a very high specific heat capacity, is very effective at storing heat.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Designing for neurodiversity: driving change for the better
Accessible inclusive design translated into reality.
RIBA detailed response to Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report
Briefing notes following its initial 4 September response.
Approved Document B: Fire Safety from March
Current and future changes with historical documentation.
A New Year, a new look for BSRIA
As phase 1 of the BSRIA Living Laboratory is completed.
A must-attend event for the architecture industry.
Caroline Gumble to step down as CIOB CEO in 2025
After transformative tenure take on a leadership role within the engineering sector.
RIDDOR and the provisional statistics for 2023 / 2024
Work related deaths; over 50 percent from constructuon and 50 percent recorded as fall from height.
Solar PV company fined for health and safety failure
Work at height not properly planned and failure to take suitable steps to prevent a fall.
The term value when assessing the viability of developments
Consultation on the compulsory purchase process, compensation reforms and potential removal of hope value.
Trees are part of the history of how places have developed.
The increasing costs of repair and remediation
Highlighted by regulator of social housing, as acceleration plan continues.
Free topic guide on mould in buildings
The new TG 26/2024 published by BSRIA.
Greater control for LAs over private rental selective licensing
A brief explanation of changes with the NRLA response.
Practice costs for architectural technologists
Salary standards and working out what you’re worth.
The Health and Safety Executive at 50
And over 200 years of Operational Safety and Health.
Thermal imaging surveys a brief intro
Thermal Imaging of Buildings; a pocket guide BG 72/2017.