The heat capacity of a sample should be divided by which quantity to find the specific heat capacity?
a) temperature in degrees celsius
b) temperature in kelvins
c) volume in liters
d) mass in grams

Answer : The correct option is, (D) mass in grams

Explanation :

Heat capacity : It is defined as the heat required to raise the temperature by one degree.

As we know that the heat capacity are of two types which are specific heat capacity and molar heat capacity.

(1) Specific heat capacity : It is defined as the amount of heat absorbed by one gram of a substance to raise its temperature by one degree Celsius.

Formula used for specific heat capacity :

where,

C = specific heat capacity

m = mass of a substance

q = heat required

= change in temperature of substance

(2) Molar heat capacity : It is defined as the amount of heat absorbed by one mole of a substance to raise its temperature by one degree Celsius.

Formula used for molar heat capacity :

where,

n = number of moles of a substance

As per question, the heat capacity of a sample should be divided by mass in grams to find the specific heat capacity.

Hence, the correct option is, (D) mass in grams