Specific Heat Capacity Definition

Steps:

• Recall that specific heat capacity measures how much heat a substance absorbs per unit mass per degree temperature change.
• Use the formula: specific heat capacity $c = \frac{Q}{m \Delta T}$, where Q is heat energy, m is mass, and ΔT is temperature change.
• For 1 kg mass and 1°C change, c equals the energy Q required.
• Match this to the option describing energy for 1 kg through 1°C.

Why C is correct:

• It matches the definition: specific heat capacity is the energy needed to raise 1 kg of a substance by 1°C, as per $c = \frac{Q}{m \Delta T}$.

Why the others are wrong:

• A describes the liquid range, not heat capacity.
• B refers to latent heat of vaporization or fusion, not temperature change.
• D is just temperature rise, ignoring energy or mass.

Final answer: C