Specific heat capacity of water

[605720459 1I]

In table 4A.2 in the textbook, I noticed that solid water and vaporized water have very similar specific heat capacities (solid= 2.03 and vapor= 2.01). However, liquid water is 4.184, which is double that of solid and vapor. Why is the heat capacity of liquid water so different from solid and vapor?

[Emma Kelly 3L]

Hello!

It's because the intermolecular bonds of ice are easier to break than those of water.
I looked it up here [https://sciencing.com/ice-heat-capacity-liquid-water-5481950.html] and apparently it's because liquid water has more surface area to absorb heat. Hope this helps!

[Molly McAndrew 1 1H]

I believe we can infer this by recognizing that H₂O is most stable in its liquid form. Therefore, the bonds are stronger/harder to break. It tends to present in its most stable form.

[danielle05]

Water in its liquid form has stronger intermolecular bonds as compared to ice, so it requires more heat to raise the temperature by one degree. Water also has more surface area as compared to ice, so more heat is needed to raise the temperature to cover the surface area.

[Anthony_Rio_3K]

In general will the most stable form of compounds be at room temperature of 25 C?

[Sammy Liu]

Liquid water has such a high specific heat capacity because of the hydrogen bonds present. These hydrogen bonds mean that it takes a lot of energy to heat up water when compared to ice or water vapor.

Hope this helps!