Specific heat capacity, also known as specific heat, measures the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1°C (same thing as 1 K). It quantifies how effectively a material can absorb and store thermal energy.

Specific heat capacity is defined as the amount of heat energy (in joules) needed to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius (or one Kelvin). It is represented by the symbol "C" and is typically expressed in units of J/g·°C or J/g·K.

Different substances have different specific heat capacities due to variations in their atomic or molecular structures. Substances with high specific heat capacities require a larger amount of heat energy to raise their temperature compared to substances with low specific heat capacities. This property influences the thermal behavior and heat transfer characteristics of materials.

The specific heat capacity of a substance depends on factors such as the type and arrangement of its particles, the presence of intermolecular forces, and the phase of the substance (solid, liquid, or gas). For example, water has a relatively high specific heat capacity, which means it can absorb and store a significant amount of heat energy without experiencing large changes in temperature. This property contributes to water's important role in moderating Earth's climate and its ability to maintain stable temperatures in various environments.