Specific heat is the amount of heat required to change the temperature of a gram of water 1° Celsius. A high specific heat means it isn’t easy to change the temperature of water. Water also has a high heat of vaporization. Humans can rid their bodies of a great deal of heat when their sweat evaporates from their skin, making sweat a very effective cooling method. We’re sure you’ll notice this cooling effect during your biochem exams. As a result of water’s high specific heat and heat of vaporization, lakes and oceans can absorb and release a large amount of heat without a dramatic change in temperature. This give and take helps moderate the earth’s temperature and makes it easier for an organism to control its body temperature. Warm-blooded animals can maintain a constant temperature, and cold-blooded animals — including lawyers and some chemistry teachers — can absorb enough heat during the day to last them through the night.
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