Question

Select the correct answer.
The table shows the specific heat of four substances—brick, dry soil, paper, and water. If all four substances were exposed to sunlight for the same amount of time, which substance would heat up the slowest?




brick 0.9
dry soil 1.26
paper 1.336
water 4.18
Group of answer choices

dry soil

brick

water

paper

Answer 1

The specific heat capacity is a measure of how much heat energy is required to raise the temperature of a substance. A higher specific heat capacity means that more energy is needed to raise the temperature, which in turn means the substance will heat up more slowly.

In the table you've provided, the specific heat capacities are as follows:

- Brick: 0.9
- Dry soil: 1.26
- Paper: 1.336
- Water: 4.18

Among these substances, **water** has the highest specific heat capacity (4.18), meaning it requires the most energy and will heat up the slowest when exposed to sunlight for the same amount of time.

Therefore, the correct answer is **water**.