Explain in terms of specific heat capacity why a hot water bottle is good at heating a bed.

Water has a very high specific heat capacity, it is fair to assume bed-sheets and bedding items have a much lower specific heat capacity. If an object has a high temperature and is in surroundings at a lower temperature, the object will transfer heat until the body and surroundings are the same temperature. Because water has a very high specific heat capacity, as it drops by 1degree a large amount of energy is released. This energy is transferred into the bedding, with a low specific heat capacity so the same amount of energy causes the bedding temperature to raise by more than 1degree.

JL

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Give an example of a transverse and longitudinal wave.


Compare the medical uses of ultrasound and X-rays. Your answer should include the risks, if any, and precautions, if any, associated with the use of ultrasound and X-rays. [6 marks]


Which type of electromagnetic radiation has the longest wavelength?


Sketch a graoh of current against potential difference for a filament lamp and explain its shape.