Specific heat of liquid water

Introduction :

In 1819, Pierre-Louis Dulong and Alexis-Therese Petit, of France first defined specific heat.The heat capacity per unit mass of a body is called Specific heat.

Specific Heat Definition :
Specific heat is the quantity of heat required to alter the temperature by one degree of a unit mass of a substance.Specific heat capacity c, the heat capacity per unit mass, C= J/Kg. K

Specific Heat of Water

Specific heat of Water is high when compared to other liquids; and this helps water to stabilize temperatures.The specific heat of water = 4.184 Joules per gram per degree centigrade.

Image on Specific heat of liquid water

When water loses or absorbs a given amount of heat, there is a very slight change in its temperature because of the high specific heat of water as compared to other materials. When water is boiled in an iron pot, while the iron pot feels hot, the water in it is still lukewarm since the specific heat of water when compared to iron is ten times higher.

Reason for High Specific Heat of Water

Water’s high specific heat, is due to its hydrogen bonding. To make or break hydrogen bonds, heat is either released or absorbed. Water molecules move faster when heat is absorbed. Most of the heat energy is utilized to break up the hydrogen bond, hence there is comparatively less rise in the temperature of water.

Conclusion to Specific Heat of Liquid Water

Relevance of water’s high specific heat: Ocean temperatures remain stable, due to the high specific heat of water, thus supporting marine life. The ocean absorbs large amount of heat gradually from the sun during the day and releases this heat slowly at night. The air blowing over the land from the ocean gives a mild climate to coastal areas. Thus, water due to its high specific heat, maintains a stable environment on the earth for life to exist.