Heat capacity is the term given to a measurement of the amount of heat within a defined system that is required to to increase temperature within the system by one percent. The heat capacity of a system is usually measured in joules or calories. It is expressed in units of thermal energy per degree in temperature. A calorimeter is required to measure heat capacity.
Measuring heat capacity is important in calorimetry, which is used to measure the heat effect of a process. This process could include physical or chemical changes, such as with evaporating, melting, dehydration, acid base neutralization, dissolving, crystallization and solid-state chemical reactions. Calorimeters are instruments that can determine heat effects within them by directly measuring temperature.
Share this Term
Let's Make Workplaces Safer!
Subscribe to the Safeopedia newsletter to stay on top of current industry trends and up-to-date know-how from subject matter authorities. Our comprehensive online resources are dedicated to safety professionals and decision makers like you.
Latest Articles
By: Addison Moore | Director of Marketing
By: Daniel Clark | Safety and Quality Management System Specialist
By: Scott Cuthbert | CEO & Co-Founder
