Question

Observe the following figure and answer the questions: 

1. Which element has maximum specific heat capacity? Justify. 
2. Which element has minimum specific heat capacity? Justify. 
3. Define specific heat of an object.

Hint:

A substance with a high specific heat capacity can absorb more heat without a significant rise in temperature, while a substance with a low specific heat capacity will experience a greater temperature change for the same amount of heat added.

Answer 1

1. Maximum Specific Heat Capacity:
      The specific heat capacity is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of a substance. From the figure, the wax layer in the test tube containing Lead melts the most slowly. This indicates that lead has a higher specific heat capacity compared to the other metals, as it requires more heat to raise its temperature.
      
2. Minimum Specific Heat Capacity:
      Iron shows the fastest melting of the wax layer, indicating that it has the lowest specific heat capacity. Iron requires less heat to raise its temperature, so the wax melts quickly compared to the other metals.
      
3. Definition of Specific Heat:
      The specific heat of an object is defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of the substance by one degree Celsius (or one Kelvin). It is usually represented by the symbol \( c \) and has units of \( \text{J/kg}^\circ \text{C} \) or \( \text{J/kg K} \).