Specific heat of water: Figure 7

Figure 7.11 compares the specific heat of various metals to the specific heat of ice, water , and steam. It takes significantly more energy to warm water than other materials, including both ice and steam. Because of water 's high specific heat capacity, the oceans are capable of storing vast quantities of energy from solar heating. Learn how to calculate the specific heat and heat capacity of different substances, and why water has a high specific heat . Find the specific heat values of water and other common substances in a table, and see examples and problems with solutions. The specific heat capacity of water depends on the temperature and is strongly dependent on the state of matter. Learn what specific heat of water is, how it is calculated and why it is higher than most substances. Find out the specific heat of water as a liquid and a vapour, and how it relates to heat capacity and temperature.