Comparing SHC

[chloewinnett1L]

Would a molecule with more atoms have a higher specific heat capacity than a molecule with fewer atoms? Or would they have the same specific heat capacity but different molar heat capacities?

[Tarika Gujral 1K]

Not necessarily:
Water SHC = 4.184
Benzene SHC = 1.74

Benzene has more atoms than water, yet its SHC is less than water. SHC depends on the types of bonds, not necessarily the amount of atoms. Molar heat capacity is dependant on amount of each substance, but again, the types of bonds mostly determine which one is higher.

[Brian Chang 2H]

Not necessarily. SHC is just the heat capacity of a substance divided by its mass (in grams).

Molar heat capacity would be more accurate if you were concerned about the number of atoms being heated, but intermolecular forces have a much greater effect on the enthalpies of vaporization and such.

[Letizia Ye 4F]

Not necessarily, SPC of a substance depends on properties such as intermolecular forces. SPC is just a measure of how many Joules it takes to raise 1 gram of a substance by 1 degree Celsius.