On a balance point graph showing the relationship between outdoor temperature and heat capacity, which statement best describes how heat capacity correlates with outdoor temperature?

• A. Heat capacity increases as outdoor temperature increases.
• B. Heat capacity remains constant regardless of outdoor temperature.
• C. Heat capacity is independent of outdoor temperature and depends only on the material's properties.
• D. Heat capacity decreases as outdoor temperature increases.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of heat capacity: it is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree Celsius (or Kelvin). It depends on the material's intrinsic properties such as mass and specific heat capacity.
2. Recognize that heat capacity is a physical property related to the substance itself and does not change simply because the outdoor temperature changes.
3. Consider that outdoor temperature might affect the temperature of the substance but does not alter the material's inherent ability to store heat energy per degree of temperature change.
4. Therefore, on a graph plotting heat capacity versus outdoor temperature, the heat capacity should remain constant, showing no correlation with outdoor temperature.
5. Conclude that the correct interpretation is that heat capacity is independent of outdoor temperature and depends only on the material's properties.