The specific heat capacity of a substance is the energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of the substance by one degree Celsius (1 °C). It is measured in J/kg °C. Water has a specific heat capacity of 4200 J/kg °C. A material with a higher specific heat capacity needs more energy to warm up by the same amount. It can be measured by heating a block or water with an electric heater and a joulemeter.
The specific latent heat of a substance is the energy needed to change the state of 1 kg of the substance without changing its temperature. It is measured in J/kg.
There are two types. The specific latent heat of fusion is for melting and freezing. The specific latent heat of vaporisation is for boiling and condensing. So specific heat capacity is about a change in temperature, and specific latent heat is about a change of state.
