MihsabaHow to use
The specific heat calculator uses the sensible-heat relation Q=m·c·ΔT to solve any one of four quantities from the other three: heat energy Q, mass m, specific heat capacity c or temperature change ΔT. Negative Q or ΔT can represent cooling while mass and c remain positive.
- Choose the quantity to solve for.
- Enter the other three values and select energy, mass and c units.
- Calculate the solved quantity and normalized values.
How it is calculated
Example
Example: heating 1kg of water from about 20°C to 100°C with c=4186 J/(kg·K) gives ΔT=80K and Q=334,880J.
Important notes
Q=mcΔT describes sensible heating or cooling without a phase change. Melting, boiling or condensation requires latent heat, and real specific heat can vary with material and temperature.
Frequently asked questions
Is a °C temperature difference equal to K?
Yes. Temperature differences have the same numerical size in °C and K.
Why can Q be negative?
Cooling releases heat, so ΔT and Q can be negative while m and c remain positive.
Does it include boiling or melting?
No. Phase changes require latent heat.
Is this calculator free?
Yes. It is free to use and requires no account.