Specific Heat Capacity Converter
Convert specific heat capacity, the energy needed to raise one unit of mass by one degree.
Written by Rahman · Last reviewed
Quick answer
Specific heat capacity is the energy needed to raise one kilogram by one kelvin, in J/(kg·K). One calorie per gram per °C is 4,186.8, and one BTU per pound per °F is the same number, because both definitions were anchored to water. Water's high value of about 4,182 J/(kg·K) is exactly why it works so well as a coolant.
| Joule per kilogram kelvin (J/(kg·K)) | 1 |
| Kilojoule per kilogram kelvin (kJ/(kg·K)) | 0.001 |
| Calorie (IT) per gram °C (cal/(g·°C)) | 0.0002388458966 |
| BTU (IT) per pound °F (BTU/(lb·°F)) | 0.0002388458966 |
About the Specific Heat Capacity Converter
Specific heat capacity is the energy needed to raise the temperature of one unit of mass by one degree. The SI unit is the joule per kilogram kelvin.
It explains why some substances heat up quickly while others, like water, change temperature slowly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is specific heat capacity?
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It is the amount of heat energy required to raise one kilogram of a substance by one degree.
Why does water have a high specific heat?
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Water resists temperature change because it can absorb a large amount of energy per degree, which helps moderate the climate.
What is the SI unit?
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The SI unit is the joule per kilogram kelvin, J/(kg·K).