Final answer:
The specific heat of water is approximately 4.184 J/(g°C), which is significantly higher than that of other common substances, making it important for maintaining life on Earth. The specific heat of copper is about 0.39 J/g°C. Iron has one of the lower specific heats, indicating it heats up and cools down more quickly than water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific heat values for common substances like water, air, iron, and copper can vary depending on temperature, but typically, they must be looked up as they cannot be easily calculated. For example, water has one of the highest specific heats, which is crucial for life on Earth, because it means that water can absorb a lot of heat before its temperature rises significantly. The specific heat of water is approximately 4.184 J/(g°C), and it is often used as a reference point for other substances. The specific heat of copper is typically given as around 0.39 J/g°C, and copper's value is significant in its identification during experiments.
For iron, the specific heat is much lower than that of water, usually around one tenth, thus it heats up and cools down much more quickly. The exact numbers for substances like air can be more complex to state, as air is a mixture of gases and its specific heat can vary substantially with temperature and humidity.