Heat capacity is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of a substance 1 ∘ ∘ C or 1 K. Open Odyssey. In the Molecular Explorer, choose Measuring Specific Heat (16). Follow the directions for water only. What variable is plotted on the y - y- axis? total energy What variable is plotted on the x - x- axis? temperature What is the molar heat capacity? molar heat capacity = J ⋅ K − 1 ⋅ mol − 1 J⋅K−1 ⋅mol−1 What is the specific heat capacity?