Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat absorbed by one gram of a substance to raise its temperature by one degree Celsius. Equal masses of different substances absorb different amounts of heat and have distinct specific heat capacities. Water has a high specific heat of 1 calorie per gram-degree Celsius and absorbs more energy to increase its temperature than most other substances. Heat absorbed by a substance increases the kinetic energy of the molecules and makes them vibrate. Some of the heat absorbed by water is spent on breaking the hydrogen bonds that connect the water molecules, allowing them to move around. The rest of the absorbed heat increases the kinetic energy of the molecules and raises the water temperature. When the temperature drops, the hydrogen bonds are formed again and a large quantity of energy is released. Thus, water absorbs and releases heat without immediate temperature change and takes longer to warm up or cool down. These properties of water enable it to withstand temperature changes, supporting aquatic life.