Specific heat capacity
The term ‘specific heat’ (or specific heat capacity) refers to the heat energy per unit mass (typically 1 kg) required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree Celsius.
The formula for specific heat: q=mc(Tf-Ti)
The higher the specific heat capacity of a substance, the more energy is required to raise its temperature.
Specific heat capacity (c) in J (joules) / kg °C can be calculated as:
c = E/m θ
Where:
- E is the energy transfer in J.
- m is the mass of the substances in kg.
- θ is the temperature change in °C.
Some examples of the specific heat capacities of different substances are listed below:
- Aluminum 902 J/kg°C
- Copper 385 J/kg°C
- Gold 129 J/kg°C
- Iron 450 J/kg°C
- Lead 128 J/kg°C
- NaCl 864 J/kg°C
- Oxygen 918 J/kg°C
- Water 4181 J/kg°C
- Brick / block: 840 J/kg°C
- Concrete: 880 J/kg°C
- Marble: 880 J/kg°C
- Steel: 420 J/kg°C
- Timber: 1200 J/kg°C
Specific heat capacity is one of the properties that contributes to the thermal mass of a material, that is, how much heat it can store. Water, which has a very high specific heat capacity, is very effective at storing heat.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.