The change in internal energy when the temperature of 1 kg of the material changes by 1°C.

The unit for the specific heat capacity of a material (J/kg ºC).

Calculating specific heat capacity (∆Q = m c ∆θ)

Combined science

Thermal conduction and insulation

Effective insulation

Heating different substances

Measuring specific heat capacity

A heating curve for water

Specific latent heat (Q = m L)

In the Nuclear physics unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to learn about subatomic particles, unstable nuclei, radioactive decay, ionising radiation and radioactive half-life.

In the Particle explanations of density and pressure unit, pupils learnt how the arrangement and movement of particles in solids, liquids and gases explain density, pressure, floating and convection.

This unit covers energy changes in systems due to heating, forces, and electrical work. It explains reducing energy transfer via insulation, specific heat capacity, and latent heat. Emphasis is on calculations, planning experiments, data interpretation, and evaluating methods.

Energy of moving particles

the change in energy required to heat 1 kg of a material by 1°C

Match the key word or phrase to the definitions.

The energy required to heat an object and change its temperature is directly proportional to which of the following?

Water has a specific heat capacity of 4200 J/kg °C, calculate the energy required to increase the temperature of 1.5 kg of water from 30°C to 80°C.

A heater increases the temperature of samples of different materials by 10°C.
Starting with the greatest, sort the samples in order of specific heat capacity, based on the given masses and energy.

A sample of a new plastic has a mass of 250 g. When provided with 6.0 kJ its temperature increases from 20°C to 50°C. Calculate the specific heat capacity of the sample.

In a test, a 500 g sample of a liquid with specific heat capacity of 1500 J/kg °C is heated with 60.0 kJ of energy. The starting temperature of the sample was 5.5°C. Calculate the final temperature.

Which of the following is the correct unit used for temperature change?

They are poor thermal conductors and reduce heat loss to the ground.

They are much more comfortable than hard surfaces.

This is the only place energy can escape from a house.

Why does using thick carpets save people money on heating bills?

Which of the following is the correct unit for specific heat capacity?

All the kettles will boil at the same time.

Three identical kettles are used to heat water from the same starting temperature. Kettle A contains 0.5 kg, kettle B contains 1.0 kg and kettle C contains 1.5 kg. Which statements are correct?

A glass of fizzy pop at a temperature of 4°C.

Which of the following has the largest store of thermal energy?

The temperature of the metal changes more than the temperature of the water.

The temperature of the metal changes less than the temperature of the water.

The temperature change of the metal and water are equal.

The water and metal will eventually reach the same temperature.

A small piece of red-hot metal is dropped into a large bucket of water. Which of the following statements are correct?

Calculating specific heat capacity (∆Q = m c ∆θ)

Lesson outcome