How many calories are required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius?

The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius is defined as 1 calorie. This fundamental concept in thermodynamics highlights the specific heat capacity of water, which is a critical parameter in various scientific and engineering fields. The term calorie is often used in nutritional contexts as well, although in that setting, the kilocalorie is typically the unit referred to.

Understanding this concept is important because it establishes the baseline for calculating energy transfer in heating processes involving water, which plays a vital role in biological systems, cooking, and various industrial applications. The specific heat of water is relatively high compared to other substances, meaning it requires more energy to change its temperature, contributing to its effectiveness in temperature regulation across various environments.