Eli5: Why does water have different heat capacities at different physical states?

Question

Eli5: Why does water have different heat capacities at different physical states?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Water’s high heat capacity is a property caused by hydrogen bonding among water molecules. When heat is absorbed, hydrogen bonds are broken and water molecules can move freely. When the temperature of water decreases, the hydrogen bonds are formed and release a considerable amount of energy.