Physics Chapter 4: Heat (Specific Heat Capacity)

Define specific heat capacity.
Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy needed to increase the temperature by 1 degree Celsius or 1 K for a mass of 1 kg of the substance.

Application of specific heat capacity
Cooling system of a car engine
The water pump will pump water into the engine block which contains hollow passages for water to flow through. This allows water to absorb heat generated from the combustion of petrol-air mixture.

The hot water then flows to the radiator where it is then cooled by air drawn in by the radiator fan through the cooling fins of the radiator. Hence, heat is lost in the process.

Water is chosen as a coolant in the engine because it has high boiling point, large specific heat capacity, cheap and easily available, does not react with the inner part of the engine.

Sea breeze
Land has a smaller heat capacity compared to the sea. During the day, the sun gives heat and rise the temperature of the land. The air above the land is heated up faster and rises upwards due to its low density.

The warm air creates a low pressure region on the land and thus cool air from the sea will move inland to fill the partial vacuum on the land.

Land breeze
Sea has larger heat capacity compared to land. During the night, sea experiences slower decrease in temperature compared to land. The air above the sea is heated up and rises upwards due to its low density.

The warm air creates a low pressure region on the sea and thus cool air from the land will move towards the sea to fill the partial vacuum on the surface of the sea.