[Campbell Biology P.95] What is the specific heat of water, and what does this value imply ... | Practice Question
What is the specific heat of water, and what does this value imply about water's ability to moderate temperature?
A: The specific heat of water is 0.6 cal/(g°C), indicating it warms up quickly.
B: The specific heat of water is 1 cal/(g°C), meaning it can absorb or release a large amount of heat with only a slight change in its own temperature, acting as a 'heat bank'.
C: The specific heat of water is 4.184 J/(g°C), implying it is a poor conductor of heat.
D: The specific heat of water is 1,000 cal/(kg°C), which is only relevant for large bodies of water like oceans.
Explanation
The text defines water's specific heat as '1 calorie per gram and per degree Celsius, abbreviated as 1 cal/ g°C .' It further explains that water 'can absorb or release a relatively large amount of heat with only a slight change in its own temperature,' making it 'effective as a heat bank.'