Why Does Water Have a High Heat Capacity?
Quick Answer
Water has a high heat capacity because a lot of heat energy is required to break the hydrogen bonds found in a molecule of water. Because the majority of heat energy is concentrated on breaking the hydrogen bonds, the water molecule itself heats up after the bonds are broken.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Once the hydrogen bonds in a water molecule are heated up enough to break, the additional heat energy can then be imparted to the water molecule itself. This additional heat energy then vibrates the water molecule, allowing it to bump into nearby water molecules to distribute the heat energy imparted by a heat source. However, the process of heat energy distribution is slow, as the vibrating water molecule must impart sufficient heat energy to break the hydrogen bonds in the surrounding water molecules. Once the heat source is removed from the water it cools down, but very slowly.
Just as significant energy is required to break the hydrogen bonds in a water molecule, significant energy is likewise required to re-form them. Only when the water molecule achieves a low enough temperature to allow the hydrogen bonds to re-form does the water molecule release the heat energy. This process of warming and cooling explains why water slowly heats up and cools down.
Learn more about ThermodynamicsRelated Questions
-
Q:
What Processes Are Endothermic?
A: Endothermic, or heat-absorbing, processes include melting ice cubes, evaporating liquid water, melting solid salts, cooking an egg, baking bread, separatin... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Do Ocean Currents Transfer Heat?
A: The oceans transfer heat by their currents, which take hot water from the equator up to higher latitudes and cold water back down toward the equator. Due t... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is a Calorifier?
A: A calorifier is a vessel that generates heat from stored water. Calorifiers are used in power plants, air conditioners, water heaters and more. Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is an Example of Convection?
A: Convection occurs when a cold pot of water is placed on a stove burner that transfers heat to the bottom of the pan. As the water in the pan warms, it begi... Full Answer >Filed Under:
