Final answer:
The equation ΔH = CΔT connects heat capacity and enthalpy change, showing that the heat required to change the temperature of a system (ΔH) can be calculated from its heat capacity (C) and the change in temperature (ΔT).
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation that relates heat capacity and enthalpy change is based on the concept that the heat capacity of a substance tells us the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of that substance by a certain amount. The enthalpy (H) of a system describes its total heat content, meaning the sum of its internal energy and the product of its pressure and volume. Therefore, the change in enthalpy (ΔH) during a process where the heat capacity is known can often be calculated if the temperature change (ΔT) is measured. This is expressed in the equation ΔH = CΔT, where C is the heat capacity of the system.
Furthermore, the first law of thermodynamics connects the internal energy change (ΔU) with the enthalpy change (ΔH). This is particularly important at constant pressure, where the enthalpy change directly represents the heat absorbed or released by the system. Since heat capacity reflects how much heat is required to change a substance's temperature, it plays a key role in determining the enthalpy change when a substance is heated or cooled.