Water absorbs approximately how many times more heat than sodium bicarbonate?

The assertion that water absorbs approximately five times more heat than sodium bicarbonate is grounded in the concept of specific heat capacity. Specific heat capacity refers to the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by a certain amount.

Water has a high specific heat capacity, which is about 4.18 J/g°C, making it an excellent medium for heat transfer and regulation. This means that it can absorb a significant amount of heat without undergoing a drastic change in temperature.

On the other hand, sodium bicarbonate, while it can absorb heat, has a lower specific heat capacity compared to water. This lower specific heat means it requires less heat to change its temperature compared to water.

Thus, the ratio of heat absorption between water and sodium bicarbonate aligns with the choice that water absorbs approximately five times more heat than sodium bicarbonate, reflecting the significant differences in their thermal properties. Understanding these differences is crucial in applications related to thermal dynamics, chemical reactions, and firefighting, where heat absorption plays a pivotal role.