The specific heat capacity (c) of a substance is defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one unit mass of the substance by one degree Celsius (or one Kelvin). Mathematically, it can be expressed as:
Q = mcΔT
Where: Q = Heat energy added or removed m = Mass of the substance c = Specific heat capacity of the substance ΔT = Change in temperature
In this case, we have a 1 kg sample of wood. The heat energy added (Q) is 40 kJ (or 40,000 J), and the temperature change (ΔT) is from 20°C to 44°C.
Let's calculate the specific heat capacity of the wood:
Q = mcΔT
40,000 J = 1 kg * c * (44°C - 20°C)
40,000 J = c * 1 kg * 24°C
c = 40,000 J / (1 kg * 24°C)
c = 1,666.67 J/(kg°C)
Therefore, the specific heat capacity of the wood is approximately 1,666.67 J/(kg°C).