AQA · Physics · 8463
GCSE Physics: Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity
Particle model of matter · AQA GCSE Physics (8463), specification point 4.3.2.2. Cards are generated from the exam board's own specification for "Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity", and every card links back to the page it came from. Specification © AQA — used with attribution.
10 flashcards · Free to study · No account needed
Study this deck
Preparing your cards…
All questions and answers
Read through the full deck, or practise recalling each answer above.
What is the equation for the change in thermal energy of a substance being heated?
Show answer
∆E = m c ∆θ (change in thermal energy = mass × specific heat capacity × temperature change).
Define specific heat capacity.
Show answer
The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one degree Celsius.
What is the unit of specific heat capacity?
Show answer
Joules per kilogram per degree Celsius (J/kg °C).
In ∆E = m c ∆θ, the symbol c stands for ?.
Show answer
specific heat capacity
In ∆E = m c ∆θ, what quantity does ∆θ represent, and in what unit?
Show answer
Temperature change, in degrees Celsius (°C).
In ∆E = m c ∆θ, what unit must mass be measured in?
Show answer
Kilograms (kg).
What unit is the change in thermal energy ∆E measured in?
Show answer
Joules (J).
Which three factors determine the temperature rise of a heated substance?
Show answer
The mass of the substance, the type of material, and the energy input to the system.
How much energy is needed to raise 2 kg of water (c = 4200 J/kg °C) by 10 °C?
Show answer
∆E = m c ∆θ = 2 × 4200 × 10 = 84,000 J (84 kJ).
Why does a substance with a higher specific heat capacity heat up more slowly for the same energy input?
Show answer
More energy is needed per kilogram for each degree of temperature rise, so the same energy produces a smaller temperature change.
Want to create your own cards? Create a free account. AI generation uses credits.