Which of the following accurately explains what it means to have a high specific heat ?

This question lacks options; the options are:

A) Less heat is needed to keep water at a high temperature

B) Water efficiently absorbs and retains heat.

C) Heat is quickly released from water.

D) Water maintains a constant temperature

The answer is B.) Water efficiently absorbs and retains heat

Explanation:

A substance's specific heat refers to the quantity of heat the substance needs to increase its temperature by 1°C. Hence, a substance is said to have a high specific heat if it takes more heat energy to make it hot while a substance is said to have a low specific heat if it takes less heat energy to make it hot.

According to the question, water is being referred to. Water has a high specific heat meaning that it is good absorber of heat and retain it due to its hydrogen bonding. This is why water will take a longer time and high heat to increase its temperature because it absorbs and retains the heat supplied to it.