View source for Specific heat capacity

{{Short description|Heat required to increase temperature of a given unit of mass of a substance}}
{{For|the specific heat capacities of particular substances|Table of specific heat capacities}}
{{Thermodynamics sidebar |material}}
{{Infobox physical quantity
| name = specific heat capacity
| othernames = specific heat
| width =
| background =
| image = 
| caption = 
| unit = J⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup>
| otherunits =
| symbols = {{mvar|''c''}}
| baseunits = m<sup>2</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup>⋅s<sup>−2</sup>
| dimension = L<sup>2</sup>⋅Θ<sup>−1</sup>⋅T<sup>−2</sup>
| extensive =
| intensive = yes
| conserved =
| transformsas =
| derivations =
| value =
}}

In [[thermodynamics]], the '''specific heat capacity''' (symbol {{mvar|''c''}}) of a substance is the amount of [[heat]] that must be added to one unit of mass of the substance in order to cause an increase of one unit in [[temperature]]. It is also referred to as '''massic heat capacity''' or as the '''specific heat.''' More formally it is the [[heat capacity]] of a sample of the substance divided by the [[mass]] of the sample.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Halliday |first=David |title=Fundamentals of Physics |last2=Resnick |first2=Robert |last3=Walker |first3=Jearl |publisher=[[John Wiley & Sons]] |year=2001 |edition=6th |location=New York, NY USA}}</ref> The [[International System of Units|SI]] unit of specific heat capacity is [[joule]] per [[kelvin]] per [[kilogram]], J⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup>.<ref>Open University (2008). ''S104 Book 3 Energy and Light'', p.&nbsp;59. [[The Open University]]. {{ISBN|9781848731646}}.</ref> For example, the heat required to raise the temperature of {{val|1|u=kg}} of [[water]] by {{val|1|u=K}} is {{val|4184|u=joules}}, so the specific heat capacity of water is {{val|4184|u=J⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup>}}.<ref>Open University (2008). ''S104 Book 3 Energy and Light'', p.&nbsp;179. [[The Open University]]. {{ISBN|9781848731646}}.</ref>

Specific heat capacity often varies with temperature, and is different for each [[state of matter]]. Liquid water has one of the highest specific heat capacities among common substances, about {{val|4184|u=J⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup>}} at 20&nbsp;°C; but that of ice, just below 0&nbsp;°C, is only {{val|2093|u=J⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup>}}. The specific heat capacities of [[iron]], [[granite]], and [[hydrogen]] gas are about 449&nbsp;J⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup>, 790&nbsp;J⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup>, and 14300&nbsp;J⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup>, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/specific-heat-capacity-d_391.html|title=Specific Heat of some common Substances|last=Engineering ToolBox|date=2003}}</ref> While the substance is undergoing a [[phase transition]], such as melting or boiling, its specific heat capacity is technically undefined, because the heat goes into changing its state rather than raising its temperature.

The specific heat capacity of a substance, especially a gas, may be significantly higher when it is allowed to expand as it is heated (specific heat capacity ''at constant pressure'') than when it is heated in a closed vessel that prevents expansion (specific heat capacity ''at constant volume''). These two values are usually denoted by <math>c_p</math> and <math>c_V</math>, respectively; their quotient <math>\gamma = c_p/c_V</math>is the [[heat capacity ratio]].

The term ''specific heat'' may also refer to the ratio between the specific heat capacities of a substance at a given temperature and of a reference substance at a reference temperature, such as water at 15&nbsp;°C;<ref name=colen2001>(2001): ''Columbia Encyclopedia'', 6th ed.; as quoted by [https://www.encyclopedia.com/science-and-technology/physics/physics/specific-heat#1E1specheat Encyclopedia.com]. Columbia University Press. Accessed on 2019-04-11.</ref> much in the fashion of [[specific gravity]]. Specific heat capacity is also related to other intensive measures of heat capacity with other denominators. If the amount of substance is measured as a number of [[mole (unit)|moles]], one gets the [[molar heat capacity]] instead, whose SI unit is joule per kelvin per mole, J⋅mol<sup>−1</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup>. If the amount is taken to be the [[volume]] of the sample (as is sometimes done in engineering), one gets the [[volumetric heat capacity]], whose SI unit is joule per kelvin per [[cubic meter]], J⋅m<sup>−3</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup>.

One of the first scientists to use the concept was [[Joseph Black]], an 18th-century medical doctor and professor of medicine at [[Glasgow University]]. He measured the specific heat capacities of many substances, using the term ''capacity for heat''.<ref>
{{cite book |last= Laidler|first= Keith, J. |year=1993 |title=The World of Physical Chemistry |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=01LRlPbH80cC |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=0-19-855919-4}}</ref>

== Definition ==
The specific heat capacity of a substance, usually denoted by <math>c</math> or <math>s</math>, is the heat capacity <math>C</math> of a sample of the substance, divided by the mass <math>M</math> of the sample:<ref>{{SIbrochure8th}}</ref>
<math display="block">
 c = \frac{C}{M} = \frac{1}{M} \cdot \frac{\mathrm{d} Q}{\mathrm{d} T},
</math>
where <math>\mathrm{d} Q</math> [[derivative|represents]] the amount of heat needed to uniformly raise the temperature of the sample by a small increment <math>\mathrm{d} T</math>.

Like the heat capacity of an object, the specific heat capacity of a substance may vary, sometimes substantially, depending on the starting temperature <math>T</math> of the sample and the [[pressure]] <math>p</math> applied to it. Therefore, it should be considered a function <math>c(p, T)</math> of those two variables.

These parameters are usually specified when giving the specific heat capacity of a substance. For example, "Water (liquid): <math>c_p</math> = 4187&nbsp;J⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup> (15&nbsp;°C)."<ref name=toolbox>{{cite web |url=http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/water-thermal-properties-d_162.html |title=Water – Thermal Properties |publisher=Engineeringtoolbox.com |access-date=2021-03-29}}</ref> When not specified, published values of the specific heat capacity <math>c</math> generally are valid for some [[standard conditions for temperature and pressure]].

However, the dependency of <math>c</math> on starting temperature and pressure can often be ignored in practical contexts, e.g. when working in narrow ranges of those variables. In those contexts one usually omits the qualifier <math>(p, T)</math> and approximates the specific heat capacity by a constant <math>c</math> suitable for those ranges.

Specific heat capacity is an [[intensive property]] of a substance, an intrinsic characteristic that does not depend on the size or shape of the amount in consideration. (The qualifier "specific" in front of an extensive property often indicates an intensive property derived from it.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://old.iupac.org/publications/books/gbook/green_book_2ed.pdf | title =Quantities, Units and Symbols in Physical Chemistry | author=International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Physical Chemistry Division | publisher=Blackwell Sciences | page=7 | quote=The adjective specific before the name of an extensive quantity is often used to mean divided by mass.}}</ref>)

===Variations===
The injection of heat energy into a substance, besides raising its temperature, usually causes an increase in its volume and/or its pressure, depending on how the sample is confined. The choice made about the latter affects the measured specific heat capacity, even for the same starting pressure <math>p</math> and starting temperature <math>T</math>. Two particular choices are widely used:
* If the pressure is kept constant (for instance, at the ambient atmospheric pressure), and the sample is allowed to expand, the expansion generates [[work (thermodynamics)|work]], as the force from the pressure displaces the enclosure or the surrounding fluid. That work must come from the heat energy provided. The specific heat capacity thus obtained is said to be measured '''at constant pressure''' (or '''isobaric''') and is often denoted {{nowrap|<math>c_p</math>.}}
* On the other hand, if the expansion is prevented{{snd}} for example, by a sufficiently rigid enclosure or by increasing the external pressure to counteract the internal one{{snd}} no work is generated, and the heat energy that would have gone into it must instead contribute to the internal energy of the sample, including raising its temperature by an extra amount. The specific heat capacity obtained this way is said to be measured '''at constant volume''' (or '''isochoric''') and denoted {{nowrap|<math>c_V</math>.}}

The value of <math>c_V</math> is usually less than the value of <math>c_p</math>. This difference is particularly notable in gases where values under constant pressure are typically 30% to 66.7% greater than those at constant volume. Hence the [[heat capacity ratio]] of gases is typically between 1.3 and 1.67.<ref name=Lange>Lange's Handbook of Chemistry, 10th ed., page 1524.</ref>

===Applicability===
The specific heat capacity can be defined and measured for gases, liquids, and solids of fairly general composition and molecular structure. These include gas mixtures, solutions and alloys, or heterogenous materials such as milk, sand, granite, and concrete, if considered at a sufficiently large scale.

The specific heat capacity can be defined also for materials that change state or composition as the temperature and pressure change, as long as the changes are reversible and gradual. Thus, for example, the concepts are definable for a gas or liquid that dissociates as the temperature increases, as long as the products of the dissociation promptly and completely recombine when it drops.

The specific heat capacity is not meaningful if the substance undergoes irreversible chemical changes, or if there is a [[Phase transition|phase change]], such as melting or boiling, at a sharp temperature within the range of temperatures spanned by the measurement.

==Measurement==
The specific heat capacity of a substance is typically determined according to the definition; namely, by measuring the heat capacity of a sample of the substance, usually with a [[calorimeter]], and dividing by the sample's mass. Several techniques can be applied for estimating the heat capacity of a substance, such as [[fast differential scanning calorimetry]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Quick|first1=C. R.|last2=Schawe|first2=J. E. K.|last3=Uggowitzer|first3=P. J.|last4=Pogatscher|first4=S.| date=2019-07-01|title=Measurement of specific heat capacity via fast scanning calorimetry—Accuracy and loss corrections| journal=Thermochimica Acta|series=Special Issue on occasion of the 65th birthday of Christoph Schick|volume=677| pages=12–20| doi=10.1016/j.tca.2019.03.021|issn=0040-6031|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Pogatscher|first1=S.| last2=Leutenegger|first2=D.|last3=Schawe|first3=J. E. K.|last4=Uggowitzer|first4=P. J.|last5=Löffler|first5=J. F.|date=September 2016|title=Solid–solid phase transitions via melting in metals|journal=Nature Communications|volume=7|issue=1|pages=11113| doi=10.1038/ncomms11113|issn=2041-1723|pmc=4844691|pmid=27103085|bibcode=2016NatCo...711113P}}</ref>

{{water_temperature_vs_heat_added.svg}}
The specific heat capacities of gases can be measured at constant volume, by enclosing the sample in a rigid container.  On the other hand, measuring the specific heat capacity at constant volume can be prohibitively difficult for liquids and solids, since one often would need impractical pressures in order to prevent the expansion that would be caused by even small increases in temperature. Instead, the common practice is to measure the specific heat capacity at constant pressure (allowing the material to expand or contract as it wishes), determine separately the [[coefficient of thermal expansion]] and the [[bulk modulus|compressibility]] of the material, and compute the specific heat capacity at constant volume from these data according to the laws of thermodynamics.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}
<!--
CHECK AND MERGE:
===Specific enthalpy===
The heat capacity of a thermodynamic system is typically derived from its internal energy, ''U'', less the work performed on the system. When this external work, i.e. the product of pressure and volume, is recognized, meaning the system's energy is measured in terms of its [[enthalpy]], 
:<math>H = U + pV</math>
the resulting measurement is the ''specific enthalpy'', often denoted with an additional suffix (H) after the variable symbol, e.g., <math>c_PH</math>.-->

==Units==
===International system===
The SI unit for specific heat capacity is joule per kelvin per kilogram {{sfrac|J|kg⋅K}}, J⋅K<sup>−1</sup>⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>.  Since an increment of temperature of one [[Celsius scale|degree Celsius]] is the same as an increment of one kelvin, that is the same as joule per degree Celsius per kilogram: J/(kg⋅°C).  Sometimes the [[gram]] is used instead of kilogram for the unit of mass: 1&nbsp;J⋅g<sup>−1</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup> = 1000&nbsp;J⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup>.

The specific heat capacity of a substance (per unit of mass) has [[dimensional analysis|dimension]] L<sup>2</sup>⋅Θ<sup>−1</sup>⋅T<sup>−2</sup>, or (L/T)<sup>2</sup>/Θ. Therefore, the SI unit J⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup> is equivalent to [[metre]] squared per [[second]] squared per [[kelvin]] (m<sup>2</sup>⋅K<sup>−1</sup>⋅s<sup>−2</sup>).

===Imperial engineering units===
Professionals in [[construction]], [[civil engineering]], [[chemical engineering]], and other technical disciplines, especially in the [[United States]], may use [[English Engineering Units|English Engineering units]] including the [[pound (mass)|pound]] (lb = 0.45359237&nbsp;kg) as the unit of mass, the [[Fahrenheit|degree Fahrenheit]] or [[Rankine scale|Rankine]] (°R = {{sfrac|5|9}} K, about 0.555556 K) as the unit of temperature increment, and the [[British thermal unit]] (BTU ≈ 1055.056 J),<ref name=Koch>
{{cite book
 |title=VDI Steam Tables
 |publisher=Springer
 |edition=4
 |date=2013
 |last=Koch
 |first=Werner
 |page=8
 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bJ_wBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA8|isbn=9783642529412 }} Published under the auspices of the ''Verein Deutscher Ingenieure'' (VDI).
</ref><ref>
{{cite book
 |title=Scientific Unit Conversion: A Practical Guide to Metrication
 |first=Francois |last=Cardarelli
 |others=M.J. Shields (translation)
 |edition=2
 |publisher=Springer
 |date=2012
 |page=19
 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-ZveBwAAQBAJ&pg=PA19-IA35
|isbn=9781447108054 }}</ref> as the unit of heat.

In those contexts, the unit of specific heat capacity is BTU/lb⋅°R, or 1 {{sfrac|BTU|lb⋅°R}} = 4186.68{{sfrac|J|kg⋅K}}.<ref>From direct values: 1{{sfrac|BTU|lb⋅°R}} × 1055.06{{sfrac|J|BTU}} × ({{sfrac|1|0.45359237}}){{sfrac|lb|kg}} x {{sfrac|9|5}}{{sfrac|°R|K}} = 4186.82{{sfrac|J|kg⋅K}}</ref> The BTU was originally defined so that the average specific heat capacity of water would be 1 BTU/lb⋅°F.<ref>°F=°R</ref> Note the value's similarity to that of the calorie - 4187 J/kg⋅°C ≈ 4184 J/kg⋅°C (~.07%) - as they are essentially measuring the same energy, using water as a basis reference, scaled to their systems' respective lbs and °F, or kg and °C.

===Calories===
In chemistry, heat amounts were often measured in [[calorie]]s. Confusingly, there are two common units with that name, respectively denoted ''cal'' and ''Cal'': 
* the ''small calorie'' (''gram-calorie, cal'') is 4.184 J exactly. It was originally defined so that the specific heat capacity of liquid water would be 1&nbsp;cal/(°C⋅g). 
*The ''grand calorie'' (''kilocalorie, kilogram-calorie, food calorie, kcal, Cal'') is 1000 small calories, 4184 J exactly. It was defined so that the specific heat capacity of water would be 1&nbsp;Cal/(°C⋅kg).
While these units are still used in some contexts (such as kilogram calorie in [[nutrition]]), their use is now deprecated in technical and scientific fields. When heat is measured in these units, the unit of specific heat capacity is usually: 

{{block indent|1=1&nbsp;{{sfrac|cal|°C⋅g}} = 1&nbsp;{{sfrac|Cal|°C⋅kg}} = 1&nbsp;{{sfrac|kcal|°C⋅kg}}  = 4184&nbsp;{{sfrac|J|kg⋅K}}<ref>°C=K</ref> = 4.184&nbsp;{{sfrac|kJ|kg⋅K}}.}}

Note that while cal is '''{{frac|1|1000}}''' of a Cal or kcal, it is also per ''gram'' instead of '''kilo'''''gram'': ergo, in either unit, the specific heat capacity of water is approximately 1.

==Physical basis ==
{{main|Molar heat capacity#Physical basis}}
The temperature of a sample of a substance reflects the average [[kinetic energy]] of its constituent particles (atoms or molecules) relative to its center of mass.  However, not all energy provided to a sample of a substance will go into raising its temperature, exemplified via the [[equipartition theorem]].

===Monatomic gases===
[[Quantum mechanics]] predicts that, at room temperature and ordinary pressures, an isolated atom in a gas cannot store any significant amount of energy except in the form of kinetic energy.  Thus, [[molar heat capacity|heat capacity per mole]] is the same for all monatomic gases (such as the noble gases).  More precisely, <math>c_{V,\mathrm{m}} = 3R/2 \approx \mathrm{12.5 \, J \cdot K^{-1} \cdot mol^{-1}}</math> and <math>c_{P,\mathrm{m}} = 5R/2 \approx \mathrm{21 \, J \cdot K^{-1} \cdot mol^{-1}}</math>, where <math>R \approx \mathrm{8.31446 \, J \cdot K^{-1} \cdot mol^{-1}}</math> is the [[ideal gas constant|ideal gas unit]] (which is the product of [[Boltzmann constant|Boltzmann conversion constant]] from [[kelvin]] microscopic energy unit to the macroscopic energy unit [[joule]], and the [[Avogadro number]]).

Therefore, the specific heat capacity (per gram, not per mole) of a monatomic gas will be inversely proportional to its (adimensional) [[atomic weight]] <math>A</math>. That is, approximately,

<math display="block">c_V \approx \mathrm{12470 \, J \cdot K^{-1} \cdot kg^{-1}}/A \quad\quad\quad c_p \approx \mathrm{20785 \, J \cdot K^{-1} \cdot kg^{-1}}/A</math>

For the noble gases, from helium to xenon, these computed values are
{| class="wikitable"
!Gas
!He!!Ne!!Ar!!Kr!!Xe
|-
!<math>A</math>
| 4.00||20.17||39.95||83.80||131.29
|-
!<math>c_V</math> (J⋅K<sup>−1</sup>⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>)
|3118||618.3||312.2||148.8||94.99
|-
!<math>c_p</math> (J⋅K<sup>−1</sup>⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>)
|5197||1031||520.3||248.0||158.3
|}

===Polyatomic gases===
On the other hand, a polyatomic gas molecule (consisting of two or more atoms bound together) can store heat energy in kinetic energy, but also in [[Rotational energy|rotation]] of the molecule and vibration of the atoms relative to each other (including internal [[potential energy]]).

These extra [[degrees of freedom (physics and chemistry)|degrees of freedom]] or "modes" contribute to the specific heat capacity of the substance. Namely, when heat energy is injected into a gas with polyatomic molecules, only part of it will go into increasing their kinetic energy, and hence the temperature; the rest will go to into the other degrees of freedom. To achieve the same increase in temperature, more heat energy is needed for a gram of that substance than for a gram of a monatomic gas. Thus, the specific heat capacity per mole of a polyatomic gas depends both on the molecular mass and the number degrees of freedom of the molecules.<ref>Feynman, R., ''[[The Feynman Lectures on Physics]]'', Vol. 1, ch. 40, pp. 7–8</ref><ref>{{cite book |author= Reif, F. |year=1965 |title=Fundamentals of statistical and thermal physics |url= https://archive.org/details/fundamentalsofst00reif |url-access= registration |publisher=McGraw-Hill |pages =[https://archive.org/details/fundamentalsofst00reif/page/253 253–254]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author= Kittel, Charles and Kroemer, Herbert  |year=2000 |title= Thermal physics |publisher= Freeman |isbn=978-0-7167-1088-2 |page=78}}</ref>

Quantum mechanics further says that each rotational or vibrational mode can only take or lose energy in certain discrete amounts (quanta).  Depending on the temperature, the average heat energy per molecule may be too small compared to the quanta needed to activate some of those degrees of freedom.  Those modes are said to be "frozen out".  In that case, the specific heat capacity of the substance increases with temperature, sometimes in a step-like fashion as mode becomes unfrozen and starts absorbing part of the input heat energy.

For example, the molar heat capacity of [[nitrogen]] {{chem|N|2}} at constant volume is <math>c_{V,\mathrm{m}} = \mathrm{20.6 \, J \cdot K^{-1} \cdot mol^{-1}}</math> (at 15&nbsp;°C, 1&nbsp;atm), which is <math>2.49 R</math>.<ref name="thor1993">Thornton, Steven T. and Rex, Andrew (1993) ''Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers'', Saunders College Publishing</ref> That is the value expected from theory if each molecule had 5 degrees of freedom.  These turn out to be three degrees of the molecule's velocity vector, plus two degrees from its rotation about an axis through the center of mass and perpendicular to the line of the two atoms.  Because of those two extra degrees of freedom, the specific heat capacity <math>c_V</math> of {{chem|N|2}} (736&nbsp;J⋅K<sup>−1</sup>⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>) is greater than that of an hypothetical monatomic gas with the same molecular mass 28 (445&nbsp;J⋅K<sup>−1</sup>⋅kg<sup>−1</sup>), by a factor of {{sfrac|5|3}}.

This value for the specific heat capacity of nitrogen is practically constant from below −150&nbsp;°C to about 300&nbsp;°C.  In that temperature range, the two additional degrees of freedom that correspond to vibrations of the atoms, stretching and compressing the bond, are still "frozen out".  At about that temperature, those modes begin to "un-freeze", and as a result <math>c_V</math> starts to increase rapidly at first, then slower as it tends to another constant value. It is 35.5&nbsp;J⋅K<sup>−1</sup>⋅mol<sup>−1</sup> at 1500&nbsp;°C, 36.9 at 2500&nbsp;°C, and 37.5 at 3500&nbsp;°C.<ref name=chas1998>Chase, M.W. Jr. (1998) ''[https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C7727379&Type=JANAFG NIST-JANAF Themochemical Tables, Fourth Edition]'', In ''Journal of Physical and Chemical Reference Data'', Monograph 9, pages 1–1951.</ref>  The last value corresponds almost exactly to the predicted value for 7 degrees of freedom per molecule.

==Derivations of heat capacity==
===Relation between specific heat capacities===
Starting from the [[fundamental thermodynamic relation]] one can show,

<math display="block"> c_p - c_v = \frac{\alpha^2 T}{\rho \beta_T} </math>

where
*<math> \alpha </math> is the [[coefficient of thermal expansion]], 
*<math> \beta_T </math> is the [[isothermal]] [[compressibility]], and
*<math> \rho </math> is [[density]].
A derivation is discussed in the article [[Relations between specific heats]].

For an [[ideal gas]], if <math>\rho</math> is expressed as [[Mole (chemistry)|molar]] density in the above equation, this equation reduces simply to [[Julius Robert von Mayer|Mayer]]'s relation,

<math display="block"> C_{p,m} - C_{v,m} = R \!</math>

where <math> C_{p,m} </math> and <math> C_{v,m} </math> are [[intensive property]] heat capacities expressed on a per mole basis at constant pressure and constant volume, respectively.

===Specific heat capacity===
The specific heat capacity of a material on a per mass basis is

<math display="block">c={\partial C \over \partial m},</math>

which in the absence of phase transitions is equivalent to

<math display="block">c=E_ m={C \over m} = {C \over {\rho V}},</math>

where
*<math>C</math> is the heat capacity of a body made of the material in question,
*<math>m</math> is the mass of the body,
*<math>V</math> is the volume of the body, and
*<math>\rho = \frac{m}{V}</math> is the density of the material.

For gases, and also for other materials under high pressures, there is need to distinguish between different boundary conditions for the processes under consideration (since values differ significantly between different conditions). Typical processes for which a heat capacity may be defined include [[isobaric process|isobaric]] (constant pressure, <math>dp = 0</math>) or [[isochoric process|isochoric]] (constant volume, <math>dV = 0</math>) processes. The corresponding specific heat capacities are expressed as

<math display="block">\begin{align}
c_p &= \left(\frac{\partial C}{\partial m}\right)_p,\\
c_V &= \left(\frac{\partial C}{\partial m}\right)_V.
\end{align}</math>

A related parameter to <math>c</math> is <math>CV^{-1}</math>, the [[volumetric heat capacity]]. In engineering practice, <math>c_V</math> for solids or liquids often signifies a volumetric heat capacity, rather than a constant-volume one. In such cases, the mass-specific heat capacity is often explicitly written with the subscript <math>m</math>, as <math>c_m</math>. Of course, from the above relationships, for solids one writes

<math display="block"> c_m = \frac{C}{m} = \frac{c_V}{\rho}. </math>

For pure homogeneous [[chemical compound]]s with established [[molecular mass|molecular or molar mass]] or a [[mole (chemistry)|molar quantity]] is established, heat capacity as an [[intensive property]] can be expressed on a per [[mole (chemistry)|mole]] basis instead of a per mass basis by the following equations analogous to the per mass equations:

<math display="block">\begin{alignat}{3}
C_{p,m} = \left(\frac{\partial C}{\partial n}\right)_p &= \text{molar heat capacity at constant pressure}\\
C_{V,m} = \left(\frac{\partial C}{\partial n}\right)_V &= \text{molar heat capacity at constant volume}
\end{alignat}</math>

where ''n'' = number of moles in the body or [[thermodynamic system]]. One may refer to such a ''per mole'' quantity as molar heat capacity to distinguish it from specific heat capacity on a per-mass basis.

===Polytropic heat capacity===
The [[polytropic]] heat capacity is calculated at processes if all the thermodynamic properties (pressure, volume, temperature) change

<math display="block">C_{i,m} = \left(\frac{\partial C}{\partial n}\right) = \text{molar heat capacity at polytropic process}</math>

The most important polytropic processes run between the adiabatic and the isotherm functions, the polytropic index is between '''1''' and the adiabatic exponent (''γ'' or ''κ'')

===Dimensionless heat capacity===
The [[dimensionless number|dimensionless]] heat capacity of a material is

<math display="block">C^{*}=\frac{C}{nR} = \frac{C}{N k_\text{B}}</math>

where 
*''C'' is the heat capacity of a body made of the material in question (J/K)
*''n'' is the [[amount of substance]] in the body ([[mole (unit)|mol]])
*''R'' is the [[gas constant]] (J⋅K<sup>−1</sup>⋅mol<sup>−1</sup>)
*''N'' is the number of molecules in the body. (dimensionless)
*''k''<sub>B</sub> is the [[Boltzmann constant]] (J⋅K<sup>−1</sup>)

Again, [[SI]] units shown for example.

Read more about the quantities of dimension one<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.bipm.org/en/si/si_brochure/chapter5/5-3-7.html| title = About the ''unit one''}}</ref> at BIPM

In the [[Ideal gas]] article, dimensionless heat capacity <math> C^* </math> is expressed as <math> \hat c </math>.

===Heat capacity at absolute zero===
From the definition of [[Entropy#Thermodynamic definition of entropy|entropy]]

<math display="block">TdS=\delta Q</math>

the absolute entropy can be calculated by integrating from zero kelvins temperature to the final temperature ''T<sub>f</sub>''

<math display="block">S(T_f)=\int_{T=0}^{T_f} \frac{\delta Q}{T}
=\int_0^{T_f} \frac{\delta Q}{dT}\frac{dT}{T}
=\int_0^{T_f} C(T)\,\frac{dT}{T}.</math>

The heat capacity must be zero at zero temperature in order for the above integral not to yield an infinite absolute entropy, thus violating the [[third law of thermodynamics]]. One of the strengths of the [[Debye model]] is that (unlike the preceding Einstein model) it predicts the proper mathematical form of the approach of heat capacity toward zero, as absolute zero temperature is approached.

===Solid phase===
The theoretical maximum heat capacity for larger and larger multi-atomic gases at higher temperatures, also approaches the Dulong–Petit limit of 3''R'', so long as this is calculated per mole of atoms, not molecules. The reason is that gases with very large molecules, in theory have almost the same high-temperature heat capacity as solids, lacking only the (small) heat capacity contribution that comes from potential energy that cannot be stored between separate molecules in a gas.

The Dulong–Petit limit results from the [[equipartition theorem]], and as such is only valid in the classical limit of a [[microstate continuum]], which is a high temperature limit. For light and non-metallic elements, as well as most of the common molecular solids based on carbon compounds at [[standard ambient temperature and pressure|standard ambient temperature]], quantum effects may also play an important role, as they do in multi-atomic gases. These effects usually combine to give heat capacities lower than 3''R'' per mole of ''atoms'' in the solid, although in molecular solids, heat capacities calculated ''per mole of molecules'' in molecular solids may be more than 3''R''. For example, the heat capacity of water ice at the melting point is about 4.6''R'' per mole of molecules, but only 1.5''R'' per mole of atoms. The lower than 3''R'' number "per atom" (as is the case with diamond and beryllium) results from the “freezing out” of possible vibration modes for light atoms at suitably low temperatures, just as in many low-mass-atom gases at room temperatures. Because of high crystal binding energies, these effects are seen in solids more often than liquids: for example the heat capacity of liquid water is twice that of ice at near the same temperature, and is again close to the 3''R'' per mole of atoms of the Dulong–Petit theoretical maximum.

For a more modern and precise analysis of the heat capacities of solids, especially at low temperatures, it is useful to use the idea of [[phonons]]. See [[Debye model]].

===Theoretical estimation===
The path integral Monte Carlo method is a numerical approach for determining the values of heat capacity, based on quantum dynamical principles. However, good approximations can be made for gases in many states using simpler methods outlined below. For many solids composed of relatively heavy atoms (atomic number > iron), at non-cryogenic temperatures, the heat capacity at room temperature approaches 3R = 24.94 joules per kelvin per mole of atoms (Dulong–Petit law, R is the gas constant). Low temperature approximations for both gases and solids at temperatures less than their characteristic Einstein temperatures or Debye temperatures can be made by the methods of Einstein and Debye discussed below.
*Water (liquid): CP = 4185.5&nbsp;J⋅K<sup>−1</sup>⋅kg<sup>−1</sup> (15&nbsp;°C, 101.325&nbsp;kPa)
*Water (liquid): CVH = 74.539&nbsp;J⋅K<sup>−1</sup>⋅mol<sup>−1</sup> (25&nbsp;°C)
For liquids and gases, it is important to know the pressure to which given heat capacity data refer. Most published data are given for standard pressure. However,  different standard conditions for temperature and pressure have been defined by different organizations. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) changed its recommendation from one atmosphere to the round value 100&nbsp;kPa (≈750.062&nbsp;Torr).<ref group="notes" name="gold">{{GoldBookRef|file=S05921|title= Standard Pressure}}.</ref>

=== Calculation from first principles ===
The [[path integral Monte Carlo]] method is a numerical approach for determining the values of heat capacity, based on quantum dynamical principles. However, good approximations can be made for gases in many states using simpler methods outlined below. For many solids composed of relatively heavy atoms (atomic number > iron), at non-cryogenic temperatures, the heat capacity at room temperature approaches 3''R'' = 24.94 joules per kelvin per mole of atoms ([[Dulong–Petit law]], ''R'' is the [[gas constant]]). Low temperature approximations for both gases and solids at temperatures less than their characteristic [[Einstein temperature]]s or [[Debye temperature]]s can be made by the methods of Einstein and Debye discussed below.

=== Relation between heat capacities ===
{{Main|Relations between heat capacities}}
Measuring the specific heat capacity at constant volume can be prohibitively difficult for liquids and solids. That is, small temperature changes typically require large pressures to maintain a liquid or solid at constant volume, implying that the containing vessel must be nearly rigid or at least very strong (see [[coefficient of thermal expansion]] and [[compressibility]]). Instead, it is easier to measure the heat capacity at constant pressure (allowing the material to expand or contract freely) and solve for the heat capacity at constant volume using mathematical relationships derived from the basic thermodynamic laws.

The [[heat capacity ratio]], or adiabatic index, is the ratio of the heat capacity at constant pressure to heat capacity at constant volume. It is sometimes also known as the isentropic expansion factor.

==== Ideal gas ====
For an [[ideal gas]], evaluating the partial derivatives above according to the [[equation of state]], where ''R'' is the [[gas constant]], for an ideal gas<ref>Yunus A. Cengel and Michael A. Boles, ''Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach'', 7th Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2010, {{ISBN|007-352932-X}}.</ref>

<math display="block">\begin{alignat}{3}
P V &= n R T,&\\
C_P - C_V &= T \left(\frac{\partial P}{\partial T}\right)_{V,n} \left(\frac{\partial V}{\partial T}\right)_{P,n},&\\
P &= \frac{nRT}{V} \Rightarrow \left(\frac{\partial P}{\partial T}\right)_{V,n} & = \frac{nR}{V},\\
V &= \frac{nRT}{P} \Rightarrow \left(\frac{\partial V}{\partial T}\right)_{P,n} &= \frac{nR}{P}.
\end{alignat}</math>

Substituting

<math display="block">T \left(\frac{\partial P}{\partial T}\right)_{V,n} \left(\frac{\partial V}{\partial T}\right)_{P,n} = T \frac{nR}{V} \frac{nR}{P} = \frac{nRT}{V} \frac{nR}{P} = P \frac{nR}{P} = nR,</math>

this equation reduces simply to [[Julius Robert von Mayer|Mayer]]'s relation:

<math display="block">C_{P,m} - C_{V,m} = R.</math>

The differences in heat capacities as defined by the above Mayer relation is only exact for an ideal gas and would be different for any real gas.

=== Specific heat capacity ===
The specific heat capacity of a material on a per mass basis is

<math display="block">c = \frac{\partial C}{\partial m},</math>

which in the absence of phase transitions is equivalent to

<math display="block">c = E_m = \frac{C}{m} = \frac{C}{\rho V},</math>

where
*<math>C</math> is the heat capacity of a body made of the material in question,
*<math>m</math> is the mass of the body,
*<math>V</math> is the volume of the body,
*<math>\rho = \frac{m}{V}</math> is the density of the material.

For gases, and also for other materials under high pressures, there is need to distinguish between different boundary conditions for the processes under consideration (since values differ significantly between different conditions). Typical processes for which a heat capacity may be defined include [[Isobaric process|isobaric]] (constant pressure, <math>\text{d}P = 0</math>) or [[isochoric process|isochoric]] (constant volume, <math>\text{d}V = 0</math>) processes. The corresponding specific heat capacities are expressed as

<math display="block">\begin{align}
c_P &= \left(\frac{\partial C}{\partial m}\right)_P,\\
c_V &= \left(\frac{\partial C}{\partial m}\right)_V.
\end{align}</math>

From the results of the previous section, dividing through by the mass gives the relation

<math display="block">c_P - c_V = \frac{\alpha^2 T}{\rho \beta_T}.</math>

A related parameter to <math>c</math> is <math>C/V</math>, the [[volumetric heat capacity]]. In engineering practice, <math>c_V</math> for solids or liquids often signifies a volumetric heat capacity, rather than a constant-volume one. In such cases, the specific heat capacity is often explicitly written with the subscript <math>m</math>, as <math>c_m</math>. Of course, from the above relationships, for solids one writes

<math display="block"> c_m = \frac{C}{m} = \frac{c_\text{volumetric}}{\rho}.</math>

For pure [[homogeneous]] [[chemical compound]]s with established [[molecular mass|molecular or molar mass]], or a [[mole (chemistry)|molar quantity]], heat capacity as an [[intensive property]] can be expressed on a per-[[mole (chemistry)|mole]] basis instead of a per-mass basis by the following equations analogous to the per mass equations:

<math display="block">\begin{alignat}{3}
C_{P,m} &= \left(\frac{\partial C}{\partial n}\right)_P &= \text{molar heat capacity at constant pressure,}\\
C_{V,m} &= \left(\frac{\partial C}{\partial n}\right)_V &= \text{molar heat capacity at constant volume,}
\end{alignat}</math>

where ''n'' is the number of moles in the body or [[thermodynamic system]]. One may refer to such a per-mole quantity as '''molar heat capacity''' to distinguish it from specific heat capacity on a per-mass basis.

=== Polytropic heat capacity ===
The [[polytropic]] heat capacity is calculated at processes if all the thermodynamic properties (pressure, volume, temperature) change:

<math display="block">C_{i,m} = \left(\frac{\partial C}{\partial n}\right) = \text{molar heat capacity at polytropic process.}</math>

The most important polytropic processes run between the adiabatic and the isotherm functions, the polytropic index is between 1 and the adiabatic exponent (''γ'' or ''κ'').

===Dimensionless heat capacity===
The [[dimensionless number|dimensionless]] heat capacity of a material is

<math display="block">C^* = \frac{C}{nR} = \frac{C}{N k_\text{B}},</math>

where
*<math>C</math> is the heat capacity of a body made of the material in question (J/K),
*''n'' is the [[amount of substance]] in the body ([[mole (unit)|mol]]),
*''R'' is the [[gas constant]] (J/(K⋅mol)),
*''N'' is the number of molecules in the body (dimensionless),
*''k''<sub>B</sub> is the [[Boltzmann constant]] (J/(K⋅molecule)).

In the [[ideal gas]] article, dimensionless heat capacity <math>C^*</math> is expressed as <math>\hat c</math> and is related there directly to half the number of degrees of freedom per particle.  This holds true for quadratic degrees of freedom, a consequence of the [[equipartition theorem]].

More generally, the dimensionless heat capacity relates the logarithmic increase in temperature to the increase in the [[dimensionless entropy]] per particle <math>S^* = S / N k_\text{B}</math>, measured in [[nat (unit)|nats]].

<math display="block">C^* = \frac{\text{d}S^*}{\text{d}(\ln T)}.</math>

Alternatively, using base-2 logarithms, <math>C^*</math> relates the base-2 logarithmic increase in temperature to the increase in the dimensionless entropy measured in [[bit]]s.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1119/1.1593658|title=Heat capacity in bits| year=2003|last1=Fraundorf|first1=P.|journal=American Journal of Physics|volume=71|page=1142|bibcode = 2003AmJPh..71.1142F| issue=11 |arxiv=cond-mat/9711074 |s2cid=18742525}}</ref>

=== Heat capacity at absolute zero ===
From the definition of [[Entropy#Thermodynamic definition of entropy|entropy]]

<math display="block">T \, \text{d}S = \delta Q,</math>

the absolute entropy can be calculated by integrating from zero to the final temperature ''T''<sub>f</sub>:

<math display="block">S(T_\text{f}) = \int_{T=0}^{T_\text{f}} \frac{\delta Q}{T}
= \int_0^{T_\text{f}} \frac{\delta Q}{\text{d}T}\frac{\text{d}T}{T}
= \int_0^{T_\text{f}} C(T)\,\frac{\text{d}T}{T}.</math>

==Thermodynamic derivation==
In theory, the specific heat capacity of a substance can also be derived from its abstract thermodynamic modeling by an [[equation of state]] and an [[internal energy function]].

===State of matter in a homogeneous sample===
To apply the theory, one considers the sample of the substance (solid, liquid, or gas) for which the specific heat capacity can be defined; in particular, that it has homogeneous composition and fixed mass <math>M</math>.  Assume that the evolution of the system is always slow enough for the internal pressure <math>P</math> and temperature <math>T</math> be considered uniform throughout.  The pressure <math>P</math> would be equal to the pressure applied to it by the enclosure or some surrounding fluid, such as air.

The state of the material can then be specified by three parameters: its temperature <math>T</math>, the pressure <math>P</math>, and its [[specific volume]] <math>\nu = V/M</math>, where <math>V</math> is the volume of the sample.  (This quantity is the reciprocal <math>1/\rho</math> of the material's [[density]] <math>\rho = M/V</math>.)  Like <math>T</math> and <math>P</math>, the specific volume <math>\nu</math> is an intensive property of the material and its state, that does not depend on the amount of substance in the sample.

Those variables are not independent. The allowed states are defined by an [[equation of state]] relating those three variables: <math>F(T, P, \nu) = 0.</math>  The function <math>F</math> depends on the material under consideration. The [[specific internal energy]] stored internally in the sample, per unit of mass, will then be another function <math>U(T, P, \nu)</math> of these state variables, that is also specific of the material. The total internal energy in the sample then will be <math>M \, U(T,P,\nu)</math>.

For some simple materials, like an [[ideal gas]], one can derive from basic theory the equation of state <math>F = 0</math> and even the specific internal energy <math>U</math>  In general, these functions must be determined experimentally for each substance.

===Conservation of energy===
The absolute value of this quantity is undefined, and (for the purposes of thermodynamics) the state of "zero internal energy" can be chosen arbitrarily.  However, by the [[law of conservation of energy]], any infinitesimal increase <math>M \, \mathrm{d}U</math> in the total internal energy <math>M U</math> must be matched by the net flow of heat energy <math>\mathrm{d}Q</math> into the sample, plus any net mechanical energy provided to it by  enclosure or surrounding medium on it.  The latter is <math>-P \, \mathrm{d}V</math>, where <math>\mathrm{d} V</math> is the change in the sample's volume in that infinitesimal step.<ref name=fein>Feynman, Richard ''[[The Feynman Lectures on Physics]]'', Vol. 1, Ch. 45</ref>  Therefore

<math display="block">\mathrm{d}Q - P \, \mathrm{d} V = M \, \mathrm{d}U</math>

hence

<math display="block">\frac{\mathrm{d}Q}{M} - P \, \mathrm{d}\nu = \mathrm{d}U</math>

If the volume of the sample (hence the specific volume of the material) is kept constant during the injection of the heat amount <math>\mathrm{d}Q</math>, then the term <math>P \, \mathrm{d}\nu</math> is zero (no mechanical work is done).  Then, dividing by <math>\mathrm{d} T</math>,

<math display="block">\frac{\mathrm{d}Q}{M \, \mathrm{d}T} = \frac{\mathrm{d}U}{\mathrm{d}T}</math>

where <math>\mathrm{d}T</math> is the change in temperature that resulted from the heat input. The left-hand side is the specific heat capacity at constant volume <math>c_V</math> of the material.

For the heat capacity at constant pressure, it is useful to define the [[specific enthalpy]] of the system as the sum <math>h(T, P, \nu) = U(T, P, \nu) + P \nu</math>. An infinitesimal change in the specific enthalpy will then be

<math display="block">\mathrm{d}h = \mathrm{d}U + V \, \mathrm{d}P + P \, \mathrm{d}V</math>

therefore

<math display="block">\frac{\mathrm{d}Q}{M} + V \, \mathrm{d}P = \mathrm{d}h</math>

If the pressure is kept constant, the second term on the left-hand side is zero, and

<math display="block">\frac{\mathrm{d}Q}{M \, \mathrm{d}T} = \frac{\mathrm{d}h}{\mathrm{d}T}</math>

The left-hand side is the specific heat capacity at constant pressure <math>c_P</math> of the material.

===Connection to equation of state===
In general, the infinitesimal quantities <math>\mathrm{d}T, \mathrm{d}P, \mathrm{d}V, \mathrm{d}U</math> are constrained by the equation of state and the specific internal energy function.  Namely,

<math display="block">\begin{cases}
  \displaystyle \mathrm{d}T \frac{\partial F}{\partial T}(T,P,V) + \mathrm{d}P \frac{\partial F}{\partial P}(T,P,V) + \mathrm{d}V \frac{\partial F}{\partial V}(T,P,V) &=& 0\\[2ex]
  \displaystyle \mathrm{d}T \frac{\partial U}{\partial T}(T,P,V) + \mathrm{d}P \frac{\partial U}{\partial P}(T,P,V) + \mathrm{d}V \frac{\partial U}{\partial V}(T,P,V) &=& \mathrm{d}U
  \end{cases}
</math>

Here <math>(\partial F/\partial T)(T,P,V)</math> denotes the (partial) derivative of the state equation <math>F</math> with respect to its <math>T</math> argument, keeping the other two arguments fixed, evaluated at the state <math>(T,P,V)</math> in question. The other partial derivatives are defined in the same way. These two equations on the four infinitesimal increments normally constrain them to a two-dimensional linear subspace space of possible infinitesimal state changes, that depends on the material and on the state.  The constant-volume and constant-pressure changes are only two particular directions in this space.

This analysis also holds no matter how the energy increment <math>\mathrm{d}Q</math> is injected into the sample, namely by [[heat conduction]], irradiation, [[electromagnetic induction]], [[radioactive decay]], etc.

===Relation between heat capacities===
For any specific volume <math>\nu</math>, denote <math>p_\nu(T)</math> the function that describes how the pressure varies with the temperature <math>T</math>, as allowed by the equation of state, when the specific volume of the material is forcefully kept constant at <math>\nu</math>. Analogously, for any pressure <math>P</math>, let <math>\nu_P(T)</math> be the function that describes how the specific volume varies with the temperature, when the pressure is kept constant at <math>P</math>. Namely, those functions are such that

<math display="block">F(T, p_\nu(T), \nu) = 0</math>and<math display="block">F(T, P, \nu_P(T))= 0</math>

for any values of <math>T,P,\nu</math>.  In other words, the graphs of <math>p_\nu(T)</math> and <math>\nu_P(T)</math> are slices of the surface defined by the state equation, cut by planes of constant <math>\nu</math> and constant <math>P</math>, respectively.

Then, from the [[fundamental thermodynamic relation]] it follows that

<math display="block">c_P(T,P,\nu) - c_V(T,P,\nu) = T \left[\frac{\mathrm{d}p_\nu}{\mathrm{d}T}(T)\right]\left[\frac{\mathrm{d}\nu_P}{\mathrm{d}T}(T)\right]</math>

This equation can be rewritten as

<math display="block">c_P(T,P,\nu) - c_V(T,P,\nu) = \nu T\frac{\alpha^2}{\beta_T},</math>

where
*<math>\alpha</math> is the [[coefficient of thermal expansion]],
*<math>\beta_T</math> is the [[isothermal]] [[compressibility]],
both depending on the state <math>(T, P, \nu)</math>.

The [[heat capacity ratio]], or adiabatic index, is the ratio <math>c_P/c_V</math> of the heat capacity at constant pressure to heat capacity at constant volume. It is sometimes also known as the isentropic expansion factor.
<!--CHECK AND CLEANUP:
--><!--MORE TO CHECK AND CLEANUP:
'''Thermodynamic relation to internal energy'''
{{anchor|Heat capacity of compressible bodies}}
Water (liquid): CP = 4185.5&nbsp;J⋅K<sup>−1</sup>⋅kg<sup>−1</sup> (15&nbsp;°C, 101.325&nbsp;kPa)
Water (liquid): CVH = 74.539&nbsp;J⋅K<sup>−1</sup>⋅mol<sup>−1</sup> (25&nbsp;°C) -->

=== Calculation from first principles ===
The [[path integral Monte Carlo]] method is a numerical approach for determining the values of heat capacity, based on quantum dynamical principles. However, good approximations can be made for gases in many states using simpler methods outlined below. For many solids composed of relatively heavy atoms (atomic number > iron), at non-cryogenic temperatures, the heat capacity at room temperature approaches 3''R'' = 24.94 joules per kelvin per mole of atoms ([[Dulong–Petit law]], ''R'' is the [[gas constant]]). Low temperature approximations for both gases and solids at temperatures less than their characteristic [[Einstein temperature]]s or [[Debye temperature]]s can be made by the methods of Einstein and Debye discussed below. However, attention should be made for the consistency of such ab-initio considerations when used along with an equation of state for the considered material.<ref name="Benjelloun">S. Benjelloun, "Thermodynamic identities and thermodynamic consistency of Equation of States", [https://arxiv.org/abs/2105.04845 Link to Archiv e-print] [https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-03216379/ Link to Hal e-print]</ref>

==== Ideal gas ====
For an [[ideal gas]], evaluating the partial derivatives above according to the [[equation of state]], where ''R'' is the [[gas constant]], for an ideal gas<ref>Cengel, Yunus A. and Boles, Michael A. (2010) ''Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach'', 7th Edition, McGraw-Hill {{ISBN|007-352932-X}}.</ref>

<math>\begin{alignat}{3}
P V &= n R T,\\
C_P - C_V &= T \left(\frac{\partial P}{\partial T}\right)_{V,n} \left(\frac{\partial V}{\partial T}\right)_{P,n},\\
P &= \frac{nRT}{V} \Rightarrow \left(\frac{\partial P}{\partial T}\right)_{V,n} &= \frac{nR}{V},\\
V &= \frac{nRT}{P} \Rightarrow \left(\frac{\partial V}{\partial T}\right)_{P,n} &= \frac{nR}{P}.
\end{alignat}</math>

Substituting

<math display="block">T \left(\frac{\partial P}{\partial T}\right)_{V,n} \left(\frac{\partial V}{\partial T}\right)_{P,n} = T \frac{nR}{V} \frac{nR}{P} = \frac{nRT}{V} \frac{nR}{P} = P \frac{nR}{P} = nR,</math>

this equation reduces simply to [[Julius Robert von Mayer|Mayer]]'s relation:

<math display="block">C_{P,m} - C_{V,m} = R.</math>

The differences in heat capacities as defined by the above Mayer relation is only exact for an ideal gas and would be different for any real gas.

== See also ==
{{portal inline|Physics}}
{{Div col|small=yes}}
* [[Enthalpy of fusion|Specific heat of melting]] (Enthalpy of fusion)
* [[Enthalpy of vaporization|Specific heat of vaporization]] (Enthalpy of vaporization)
* [[Frenkel line]]
* [[Heat capacity ratio]]
* [[Heat equation]]
* [[Heat transfer coefficient]]
* [[History of thermodynamics]]
* [[Joback method]] (Estimation of heat capacities)
* [[Latent heat]]
* [[Material properties (thermodynamics)]]
* [[Quantum statistical mechanics]]
* [[R-value (insulation)]]
* [[Enthalpy of vaporization]]
* [[Enthalpy of fusion]]
* [[Statistical mechanics]]
* [[Table of specific heat capacities]]
* [[Thermal mass]]
* [[Thermodynamic databases for pure substances]]
* [[Thermodynamic equations]]
* [[Volumetric heat capacity]]
{{Div col end}}

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=notes}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

== Further reading ==
*  Emmerich Wilhelm & Trevor M. Letcher, Eds., 2010, ''Heat Capacities: Liquids, Solutions and Vapours'', Cambridge, U.K.:Royal Society of Chemistry, {{ISBN|0-85404-176-1}}. A very recent outline of selected traditional aspects of the title subject, including a recent specialist introduction to its theory, Emmerich Wilhelm, "Heat Capacities: Introduction, Concepts, and Selected Applications" (Chapter 1, pp.&nbsp;1–27), chapters on traditional and more contemporary experimental methods such as [[Photoacoustic effect|photoacoustic]] methods, e.g., Jan Thoen & Christ Glorieux, "Photothermal Techniques for Heat Capacities," and chapters on newer research interests, including on the heat capacities of proteins and other polymeric systems (Chs. 16, 15), of liquid crystals (Ch. 17), etc.

== External links ==
*(2012-05may-24) [https://physicsworld.com/a/phonon-theory-sheds-light-on-liquid-thermodynamics/ Phonon theory sheds light on liquid thermodynamics, heat capacity – Physics World] [https://www.nature.com/articles/srep00421 The phonon theory of liquid thermodynamics | Scientific Reports]

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Physical quantities]]
[[Category:Thermodynamic properties]]