What is being measured to determine the specific heat of a material?

To determine the specific heat of a material, it is essential to measure the energy absorbed per unit mass per degree of temperature rise. Specific heat is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one unit of mass of a substance by one degree Celsius (or one Kelvin). The concept focuses on how much energy is needed to produce a certain temperature increase in a specified mass of the substance.

The process involves quantifying the energy input (in joules or calories) needed to achieve a specific increase in temperature, while precisely accounting for the mass of the material involved. This measurement provides vital insight into the material's thermal properties and how it interacts with heat.

By focusing on the energy absorbed relative to both the mass and temperature change, this option effectively captures the essence of what specific heat represents. Understanding this relationship is crucial in various applications, from engineering to environmental science, where thermal management is vital.