Which one of the following has the highest value of specific heat?
Correct answer: A. Water
- A. Water
- B. Alcohol
- C. Methane
- D. Kerosene
Explanation
On a mass basis, water has a very high specific heat capacity, about 4.18 kJ/kg·K, compared with alcohol, methane, and kerosene under ordinary conditions. This means water needs about 4.18 kJ to raise the temperature of 1 kg by 1 K. Students may choose methane if they confuse specific heat with molar heat capacity or with the heat released during combustion.
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About Molar Specific Heat of a Gas
Molar specific heat is the heat required to raise the temperature of one mole of a gas by one kelvin, expressed through Q = nCΔT. Questions compare the constant volume value Cv with the constant pressure value Cp, apply the ideal gas relation Cp − Cv = R, and identify how the thermodynamic process affects heat capacity.
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