How does the specific heat of water compare with that of other common substances?

Answer 1

Water has an abnormally high heat capacity compared to most other substances.

The specific heat of water is high relative to the specific heat of other substances. Water takes a lot of energy to heat and takes a long time to lose the heat. We make use of this by using a hot water bottle to keep warm. The onshore breeze from an ocean or large lake is due to the water taking longer to lose heat than the land. The warmer body of water at the end of the day takes time to cool at night so drags air from the land; the cool body of water in the morning is responsible for air blowing onto the land in the morning.

Bricks are also good heat sinks.

Answer 2

Specific heat is defined as the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of a given mass of material by 1 degree Kelvin.

Heat/Temperature is a direct measure of the average kinetic (movement) energy of the atoms/molecules in a material and the bonds between atoms making molecules affect their ability to move freely (independent of their mass) and thus different substances have different specific heats.

Hydrogen bond energy causes the high specific heat of water.

Answer 3

I have attached a helpful link with a table of numerous specific heat capacities.

Answer 4

Water has a much higher capacity for storing energy than most other common materials.