what units do we use for mass when calculating specific heat capacity? specific heat capacity is measured in j/kg ºc.

You use kilograms (kg) for mass when the specific heat capacity is given in J/kg ºC.

In the formula

Q=mcΔTQ=mc\Delta TQ=mcΔT

• QQQ is heat in joules (J).

• mmm is mass, so here it must be in kg to match J/kg ºC.

• ΔT\Delta TΔT is the temperature change in ºC (or K).

A quick way to check:

• If the specific heat is written as J/kg ºC or J/kg K → use kilograms.

• If it were written as J/g ºC → you’d use grams instead.

So for your case (J/kg ºC), the correct mass unit is kg.