What is the specific heat of water?

The specific heat of water is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. This value is established at 1 BTU per pound per degree F, which is a commonly used benchmark in thermodynamics and HVAC calculations. This property is essential for understanding how water interacts with heat in various systems, including heating and cooling applications, as its high specific heat allows it to absorb and store significant amounts of thermal energy without experiencing large temperature changes.

Other choices reflect incorrect values for the specific heat of water, as they do not align with the scientifically established figure. Understanding the specific heat of materials is fundamental for building analysts when evaluating energy performance in residential structures, especially concerning insulation, heating systems, and air conditioning.