How is "specific heat capacity" defined?

Specific heat capacity is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius (or one Kelvin). This definition emphasizes the relationship between heat energy and temperature change for a specific mass of a material. It is a crucial concept in thermodynamics because it helps in understanding how different substances respond to heat input.

The specific heat capacity is variable among different materials, which is why it plays a significant role in processes like heating, cooling, and phase changes. Knowing the specific heat capacity allows engineers and scientists to make calculations about thermal energy transfer and temperature control in various applications, such as boilers, engines, and cooling systems.

The other options, while they pertain to heat transfer, do not adequately define specific heat capacity. For instance, boiling a substance refers to phase changes rather than the specific temperature change for a unit mass. Similarly, the heat lost during a phase change or the energy required to convert a solid to a liquid focuses on specific processes without referencing the relationship between heat and temperature change per unit mass.