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    Which substances have the highest and lowest specific heat capacities?

    Question #50855. Asked by gmackematix. (Sep 07 04 11:22 PM)


    alohonyai

    		The main determination of heat capacity is its molecular weight. Hydrogen has a low molecular weight and in turn has a very high heat capacity [c=14.307 J/gK]. Hydrogen isn't practical for uses as an insulator though. Styrofoam and many ceramics are quite heat resistant, but the best "insulator" is actually a total vacuum. Gold, being a heavy metal, has a very low heat capacity [c=0.128 J/gK]. Radon also has a very high molecular weight, and has a heat capacity of just 0.09 J/gK. I'm not certain that these are the highest and lowest heat capacities of all substances, but they are the highest and lowest of all the elements.

    Sep 08 04, 2:39 PM
    gmackematix

    		Interesting, Aloho. I have just read that any fluid at its vapour-liquid critical point has an infinite SHC. But hydrogenn is still looking like a good contender.
    I'm unsure about the lowest.

    Sep 08 04, 5:07 PM
    zorba_scank

    		Radon has the lowest SHC with .094 J/gK.

    Hydrogen is the highest with 14.307 J/gK.

    Sep 08 04, 9:31 PM

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