Measuring heat energy
2 marks · EasyA physics student says: “Two blocks of different materials, each of mass 1 kg, receive the same amount of energy, but one heats up more than the other.” Explain, using the concept of specific heat capacity, why this happens.
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Different materials have different specific heat capacities. If a material has a lower specific heat capacity, it will heat up more for the same amount of energy.
Must show: different c means different ΔT for same energy
Common mistakes: Not referring to specific heat capacity.
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Mentions that specific heat capacities are different for the two materials.
B2 · 1 mark · Explains that lower specific heat capacity means a greater temperature rise for the same energy supplied.
Worked solution
The blocks heat up by different amounts because their specific heat capacities are different. A material with lower specific heat capacity heats up more for a given energy supplied.