The definition of specific heat is _______________________.

Specific heat refers to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Fahrenheit. This definition highlights the relationship between heat energy and temperature change in materials. Understanding specific heat is crucial for refrigeration and HVAC professionals because it affects how substances absorb and release heat, which is a fundamental concept in thermodynamics and heat transfer processes.

In practical applications, knowledge of specific heat enables technicians to calculate the energy needed for heating or cooling specific substances used in refrigeration systems. This capability is essential for designing and maintaining systems for efficient temperature control in various environments.