# Explain why two substances made of different materials but with the same mass require different amounts of energy to reach the same temperature rise.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625) — 2.2 Thermal properties and temperature · Explain · 4 marks

> A student heats equal masses of water and cooking oil using identical immersion heaters for the same length of time. She notices that the cooking oil reaches a higher temperature than the water.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Different substances have different specific heat capacities
2. Specific heat capacity is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C
3. Water has a higher specific heat capacity than cooking oil, so it requires more energy for the same temperature rise
4. Since the same amount of energy is supplied to both, the substance with the lower specific heat capacity (cooking oil) reaches a higher temperature

## Key terms

- [temperature](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/temperature)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-two-substances-made-of-a8e79c09) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.