Question

which substance is most likely to heat up the fastest?
water (specific heat of 4.19 j/g·c°)
copper (specific heat of 0.39 j/g·c°)
aluminum (specific heat of 0.90 j/g·c°)
dry air (specific heat of 1.01 j/g·c°)

Explanation:

Step1: Understand specific - heat concept

The lower the specific heat of a substance, the less heat energy is required to raise its temperature by 1°C. So, a substance with a lower specific - heat will heat up faster.

Step2: Compare specific heats

We have specific heats: water ($4.19\ J/g\cdot^{\circ}C$), copper ($0.39\ J/g\cdot^{\circ}C$), aluminum ($0.90\ J/g\cdot^{\circ}C$), dry air ($1.01\ J/g\cdot^{\circ}C$).

Step3: Identify the lowest specific - heat

Among these values, the specific heat of copper ($0.39\ J/g\cdot^{\circ}C$) is the lowest.

Answer:

copper (specific heat of $0.39\ J/g\cdot^{\circ}C$)