Chapter 14, Problem 5Q

To determine

Why water is good for heating systems.

Answer to Problem 5Q

Solution:

The specific heat of water is quite high. It means it can carry large amount of heat without a large drop in temperature.

Explanation of Solution

The specific heat is the amount of heat per unit mass required to raise the temperature by one degree Celsius. The specific heat of water is $\text{4}{\text{.186 joules/ gram}}^{\text{o}}\text{Celsius}$ which is quite high. It means it can carry large amount of heat without a large drop in temperature. So, it is good for heating systems.