Specific Heat
What is specific heat?
The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C.
What is a conductor? Give one example.
A material that transfers heat easily. Example: Copper.
What are the three types of heat transfer?
Conduction, convection, and radiation.
Why is wearing multiple layers of clothing better than wearing one thick layer?
Air is trapped between layers, acting as an insulator to keep you warm.
What happens to ice when placed in warm water?
It absorbs heat and melts.
Why does the ocean stay cool even in summer?
Water has a high specific heat, so it absorbs a lot of heat before its temperature rises.
What is an insulator? Give one example.
A material that does not transfer heat easily. Example: Foam.
What type of heat transfer happens when you touch a hot pan?
Conduction.
What is the purpose of an insulated box?
To reduce heat transfer and maintain temperature inside.
How can you lower the final temperature of a drink using ice?
Use more ice or start with colder water.
Which heats up faster, water or metal? Why?
Metal heats up faster because it has a lower specific heat than water.
Why is air a good insulator?
Air does not transfer heat easily, helping to trap heat.
What type of heat transfer causes warm air to rise and cool air to sink?
Convection.
Why does a jacket keep you warm?
It traps air, which acts as an insulator.
What happens to the kinetic energy of ice as it absorbs heat?
The kinetic energy increases as the particles move faster.
Why does water take longer to cool down at night compared to land?
Water has a high specific heat, so it retains heat longer.
Why are cooking pots made of metal but have plastic or wooden handles?
Metal is a conductor, so it heats up quickly, while plastic/wood are insulators and prevent burns.
: What type of heat transfer allows the Sun to warm the Earth?
Radiation.
What material would make a better insulator for a winter coat: metal or wool? Why?
Wool, because it traps air and reduces heat transfer.
If you have two identical cups of water but one has twice the amount of ice, which one will end up colder?
The one with more ice, because it absorbs more heat.
If two substances absorb the same amount of heat, which one will have the biggest temperature change?
The substance with the lower specific heat.
If you had to keep an ice cube from melting, would you wrap it in aluminum foil or cotton? Why?
Cotton, because it is an insulator and reduces heat transfer.
Why do metals heat up faster than water?
Metals have a lower specific heat, meaning they require less energy to increase their temperature.
f you had to design a high-quality thermos, what material would you use inside to keep drinks hot for longer?
Foam or vacuum insulation, because they minimize heat transfer.
What would happen to a glass of warm water if placed in a foam-insulated container?
It would stay warm longer because foam reduces heat transfer.