Learning objective

Define specific heat capacity as the energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one degree Celsius.

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5

Flashcards

7

Questions

Topic

Internal energy and energy transfers

Subtopic

Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity

AQA GCSE PhysicsParticle model of matter

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Short explanation

Define specific heat capacity as the energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one degree Celsius. Exam lens: Write the relationship, substitute values only when needed, and finish by interpreting the result. In Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity, this means specific heat capacity links energy, mass, material and temperature change. The answer should use the approved wording from Internal energy and energy transfers, include kilogram, degree Celsius, specific heat capacity, and avoid drifting into another section of Particle model of matter. For revision, practise saying the exact objective aloud, then add the one calculation, particle movement, collision, graph, or practical detail that makes the statement true. A strong exam response for checkpoint 40 is specific to define specific heat capacity as the energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one degree Celsius and does not reuse a generic explanation from a neighbouring objective.

Key concepts

specific heat capacitythermal energy

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Internal energy and energy transfers.

Common mistakes

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  • Confusing Specific Heat Capacity with Thermal Energy: Remember that specific heat capacity is the energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one degree Celsius, while thermal energy is the total energy transferred in a process.

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Define specific heat capacity as the energy needed to raise the | AQA Physics | ExamCompanion