1) The specific heat of water is one of the highest of all substances. Why does this make water a useful liquid to use in hot water bottles?
2) Could you use a lump of metal to warm your bed instead of a hot water bottle? Which would be better, a metal lump or hot water bottle? Please explain why.
I really need help with this, I suspect I'm gonna be asked these kind questions in an upcoming test.
Thank you!
2) Could you use a lump of metal to warm your bed instead of a hot water bottle? Which would be better, a metal lump or hot water bottle? Please explain why.
I really need help with this, I suspect I'm gonna be asked these kind questions in an upcoming test.
Thank you!
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1.) Specific heat expresses how much heat a material can transfer in a given mass. Water is an excellent thermal insulator. That is, it likes to maintain its temperature better than most other materials. In a hot water bottle, you wish to maintain a high temperature. The water retains its heat very well, even with relatively little insulation.
2.) You would definitely NOT want to use metal instead of hot water. Metal is a thermal conductor. This means that it transfers heat very easily, and will drop in temperature relatively quickly when introduced to a cooler environment. This is why you can take a hot pan from the stove, run it under a cold tap only for a short period, and it's temperature is already low enough to touch.
2.) You would definitely NOT want to use metal instead of hot water. Metal is a thermal conductor. This means that it transfers heat very easily, and will drop in temperature relatively quickly when introduced to a cooler environment. This is why you can take a hot pan from the stove, run it under a cold tap only for a short period, and it's temperature is already low enough to touch.