Which property is associated with a high specific heat capacity?

Study for the 2025 QRC Chemist Evaluation Exam. Prepare with flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and detailed explanations. Get exam-ready now!

The property associated with a high specific heat capacity is resistance to temperature change. Specific heat capacity refers to the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by a certain amount, usually 1°C. A substance with a high specific heat capacity can absorb a significant amount of heat without undergoing a large change in temperature, which indicates that it resists temperature changes.

For example, water has a high specific heat capacity, which is why large bodies of water can maintain a stable temperature even when the surrounding air temperature fluctuates. This ability to stabilize temperature makes substances with high specific heat vital for regulating climate and maintaining biological processes in living organisms.

In contrast, options indicating rapid temperature change or easy vaporization would suggest a low specific heat capacity, as such substances require less energy to change temperature or phase. Low thermal conductivity refers to how well a substance conducts heat, which does not directly correlate with its specific heat capacity. Therefore, the aspect of resistance to temperature change is the primary characteristic associated with high specific heat capacity.

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