F.3 physics heat capacity

Heat capcity applies to an objecr of a given mass and material. For example, the heat capcity of a copper vessel, or the heat capacity of a 2-kg iron block.

Objects made of the same material, e.g. steel, but with different masses possess different heat capcities.

On the other hand, specific heat capacity apples to the material only. For example, the specific heat capacity of water, copper, iron, wood...etc. It is independent of the object mass.

In fact, you could differentiate them by looking at their units, J/K and J/kg.K respectively for heat capacity and specific heat capacity.


2015-01-11 16:40:28 補充：
An amendment to the 2nd sentence in the 3rd paragraph to bring out its meaning more clearly :
"... For example, the specific heat capacities of water, copper, iron, wood...etc. are different. It is independent of..."

Heat capacity C is the heat required to raise the temperature of a body by 1°C.
That is,
C=E/ΔT or E=CΔT,
where E=energy required, C=heat capacity of the body, ΔT=temperature change
Unit of heat capacity:J/°C
Specific heat capacity c is the heat required to change the temperature of a 1kg
substance by 1°C.
That is,
c=E/mΔT or E=mcΔT,
where E=energy required, m=mass of the body, c=specific heat capacity of the substance, ΔT=temperature change
Unit of heat capacity:J/kg°C