What does specific heat capacity measure?

The correct answer is The energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one degree Celsius.

Application lens: Apply the rule to the specific sample or situation instead of reciting a broad fact. This question asks: What does specific heat capacity measure. The correct response is The energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one degree Celsius, because density links mass and volume, so the answer must preserve which quantity is being calculated. In Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity, the marking point should connect directly to recall and apply the equation change in thermal energy = mass x specific heat capacity x temperature change. If the question includes values, the working must keep the appropriate unit and operation; if it is an explanation, it must name the relevant particle behaviour or energy change. This item belongs to Internal energy and energy transfers, so avoid answers that switch to a different quantity, confuse heat with temperature, or describe gas pressure without collisions when collisions are the reason. Checkpoint 283 is distinct because it uses this exact question context and the application lens rather than a generic particle-model sentence.