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mediumQ. No. 15178-what-is-specific-heat-and-what-is-its-si-unit

What is specific heat and what is its SI unit?

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AAmount of heat to raise 1kg by 1K; unit is J/kg/K
BAmount of heat to raise 1g by 1°C; unit is Joule
CRate of heat flow per unit area; unit is W/m²
DTotal heat content of a body; unit is Calorie
Correct Answer: Amount of heat to raise 1kg by 1K; unit is J/kg/KYour Answer: A

Explanation

Specific heat capacity is a fundamental thermodynamic property. Option A is CORRECT — Specific heat (c) is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 Kelvin (or 1°C). Its SI unit is J/kg/K (Joule per kilogram per Kelvin) also written as J·kg⁻¹·K⁻¹. This is derived from formula c = Q/(mΔT) where Q=heat in joules m=mass in kg ΔT=temperature change in K. Water has highest specific heat: 4186 J/kg/K = 1 cal/g/°C. Option B is wrong — raising 1g by 1°C describes calorie definition (CGS system) not SI. The SI definition uses 1kg and 1K and the unit is J/kg/K not Joule alone. Option C is wrong — rate of heat flow per unit area is heat flux with unit W/m² not specific heat. This is related to thermal radiation and conduction studies. Option D is wrong — total heat content (enthalpy) is different from specific heat. Calorie is a CGS unit not SI unit of specific heat.

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