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.

Answered by Jessica L. Physics tutor

8035 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

In most transformers, why is the power output is less than the power input.


What is the density of a rock (mass 75g) submerged in water which displaced by a volume of 37.5cm^3? SI units


Explain how a convection current forms when a pan of water is being heated over a stove


Give two features of polar orbits. Suggest the use of a satellite in a polar orbit.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences