Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat
Cambridge A-Level Physics (9702) · Unit 14: Temperature · 7 flashcards
Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat is topic 14.3 in the Cambridge A-Level Physics (9702) syllabus , positioned in Unit 14 — Temperature , alongside Thermal equilibrium and Temperature scales. In one line: Specific heat capacity (c) is the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 K (or 1 °C) without a change of state.
Marked as A2 Level: examined at A Level in Paper 4 (A Level Structured Questions) and Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis and Evaluation). It is not tested on the AS-only papers (Papers 1, 2 and 3).
The deck below contains 7 flashcards — 3 definitions, 2 key concepts and 2 calculations — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the 3 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and calculation cards to handle explain, describe, calculate and compare questions.
Specific heat capacity
Specific heat capacity (c) is the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 K (or 1 °C) without a change of state.
What the Cambridge 9702 syllabus says
Official 2025-2027 spec · A2 LevelThese are the exact learning outcomes Cambridge sets for this topic. The candidate is expected to be able to do each of these on the relevant paper.
- define and use specific heat capacity
- define and use specific latent heat and distinguish between specific latent heat of fusion and specific latent heat of vaporisation
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 9702 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Tips to avoid common mistakes in Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat
- › Focus purely on the physical distance between particles; compare the relative increase in spacing during melting versus the much larger increase during boiling.
Define specific heat capacity.
Specific heat capacity (c) is the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 K (or 1 °C) without a change of state.
What is the equation that relates heat transfer, mass, specific heat capacity, and temperature change?
The equation is: Q = mcΔT, where Q is the heat transfer (J), m is the mass (kg), c is the specific heat capacity (J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹), and ΔT is the change in temperature (K or °C).
Define specific latent heat.
Specific latent heat (L) is the energy required to change the state of 1 kg of a substance without any change in temperature. There are two types: fusion and vaporisation.
What is the difference between specific latent heat of fusion and specific latent heat of vaporisation?
Specific latent heat of fusion (Lf) is the energy needed to change 1 kg of a substance from solid to liquid (or liquid to solid). Specific latent heat of vaporisation (Lv) is the energy needed to change 1 kg of a substance from liquid to gas (or gas to liquid).
Write the equation for calculating the heat transfer during a change of state.
The equation is: Q = mL, where Q is the heat transfer (J), m is the mass (kg), and L is the specific latent heat (J kg⁻¹). L can be Lf (fusion) or Lv (vaporisation).
Describe an experiment to determine the specific heat capacity of a metal block.
Use an electrical heater inserted into the metal block. Measure the power supplied (P) and the temperature change (ΔT) over a time (t). Then use the equation mcΔT = Pt to calculate c, the specific heat capacity. Account for heat losses.
Describe the energy changes involved when ice at -10°C is heated to steam at 110°C.
Energy is absorbed to: (1) Increase ice temp to 0°C, (2) Melt ice to water at 0°C, (3) Increase water temp to 100°C, (4) Vaporize water to steam at 100°C, (5) Increase steam temp to 110°C. Equations: Q=mcΔT for temperature changes; Q=mLf for melting; Q=mLv for vaporizing.
Review the material
Read full revision notes on Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat — definitions, equations, common mistakes, and exam tips.
Read NotesMore topics in Unit 14 — Temperature
Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat sits alongside these A-Level Physics decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Key terms covered in this Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat deck
Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.
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