Engineering & Physics CalcyZone Calculator
Specific Heat Calculator (Q = mcΔT)
Calculate heat energy needed to change a material’s temperature.
Heat energy Q
334880 J
In kJ
334.88 kJ
In kWh
0.093 kWh
Step-by-step working
- c = 4186 J/(kg·K)
- Q = m c ΔT = 1 × 4186 × 80 = 334880 J
Mathematical Formula
Q = m c ΔT.
Overview & Explanation
Specific heat is the energy needed to raise 1 kg by 1 K.
How It Works
- Pick c.
- Multiply by mass and ΔT.
Practical Applications
- Water heater sizing.
- Cooking and lab work.
Example 1: heat 1 kg water by 80 °C
Kettle ≈ 335 kJ.
1
Inputs
Mass (kg): 1 · Material (c): Water – 4186 J/(kg·K) · Temperature change ΔT (K or °C): 80
= entered
2
Step 1
c = 4186 J/(kg·K)
3
Step 2
Q = m c ΔT = 1 × 4186 × 80 = 334880 J
4
Heat energy Q
Result
= 334880 J
Example 2: 2 kg aluminium by 50 °C
Pan heating.
1
Inputs
Mass (kg): 2 · Material (c): Aluminium – 897 · Temperature change ΔT (K or °C): 50
= entered
2
Step 1
c = 897 J/(kg·K)
3
Step 2
Q = m c ΔT = 2 × 897 × 50 = 89700 J
4
Heat energy Q
Result
= 89700 J
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it include phase change?
No; add latent heat for melting/boiling.
Kelvin or °C?
A change of 1 K equals 1 °C.
Electricity needed?
1 kWh = 3.6 MJ; result shows kWh.
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