Question

Which of the following has the highest specific heat capacity?

• A. Copper
• B. Iron
• C. Aluminium
• D. Water *(Note: Explicit target option implied by standard thermodynamic comparisons)*

Hint:

As a general rule, lighter metals with lower atomic masses (like Aluminium, \(A=27\)) tend to have higher specific heat capacities per unit mass than heavier transition metals (like Iron, \(A=56\), or Copper, \(A=63.5\)). This pattern aligns with Dulong-Petit law behaviors. \nobreak

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Specific heat capacity (\(c\)) is an intrinsic thermal property defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a unit mass (1 kg) of a substance by one degree Celsius (or one Kelvin). It is measured in units of \(\text{J/kg}\cdot\text{K}\) or \(\text{J/kg}\cdot^\circ\text{C}\).

Step 1: Comparing the specific heat capacities of common metals.
Let us review the standard, experimentally measured specific heat capacities of the metallic options provided in the question at room temperature (\(25^\circ\text{C}\)):
• Copper (Cu): \(c \approx 385 \text{ J/kg}\cdot\text{K}\)
• Iron (Fe): \(c \approx 450 \text{ J/kg}\cdot\text{K}\)
• Aluminium (Al): \(c \approx 900 \text{ J/kg}\cdot\text{K}\)

Step 2: Evaluating the highest value among the choices.
Comparing these values directly: \[ 900 \text{ J/kg}\cdot\text{K (Aluminium)} > 450 \text{ J/kg}\cdot\text{K (Iron)} > 385 \text{ J/kg}\cdot\text{K (Copper)} \] Aluminium requires significantly more thermal energy to raise its temperature compared to iron or copper, meaning it has the highest specific heat capacity among the options listed. This corresponds to option (3).