Heat capacity of larger objects

[reising1]

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"Larger objects made from the same substance have greater heat capacities."

This makes sense conceptually (the larger the object, the harder it is to change it's temperature). But from the equation q=mc(delta T), solving for c gives

c = q / (m * delta T)

so mass and heat capacity have an inverse relationship? So more mass means lower heat capacity? What's going on here?

 

[Chillbo Baggins]

The heat capacity, C, is based on the mass of the material, so the equation is actually just Q = C(delta T).

 

[rfvbnmju]

he equation q=mc(delta T)

There are two general equations when dealing with transfer of heat in rxn in calorimetry. They both the same but expressed in slightly different ways.

q=msΔT and q=CΔT

The one you stated the "c" (I learned it as "s") is the specific heat or amount of heat it takes to raise 1 gram of substance by 1 degrees. The specific heat is the same for a given substance whether you have 1g or 1kg of it.

In the q=CΔT, the C is the heat capacity that you're asking about. It's basically C=ms and accounts for the mass and specific heat of the object. As you raise m, C is raised also.

Hope that helps.

 

[reising1]

Thanks, got it!