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Specific Heat Calculator (q = mcΔT)

Find heat energy, mass, specific heat capacity or temperature change with q = mcΔT, with common materials (water 4.184 J/g°C) built in and J, kJ and calorie units. Free for chemistry and physics labs.

Heat energy (q)

62760 J

62.76 kJ · 15000 cal

  1. 1

    Heat equation

    q=mcΔTq = mc\Delta T
  2. 2

    Temperature change

    ΔT=Tf−Ti=80−20=60 ∘C\Delta T = T_f - T_i = 80 - 20 = 60\ ^\circ\mathrm{C}
  3. 3

    Multiply

    q=250 g×4.184 J/(g ∘C)×60 ∘C=62760 Jq = 250\ \mathrm{g}\times4.184\ \mathrm{J/(g\,^\circ C)}\times60\ ^\circ\mathrm{C} = 62760\ \mathrm{J}
  4. 4

    Positive q: heat absorbed

    62.76 kJ = 15000 cal.

Assumes no phase change (no melting or boiling) over the temperature range.

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FAQ

What does q = mcΔT mean?

q is heat energy, m the mass, c the specific heat capacity and ΔT the temperature change (final − initial).

What is the specific heat of water?

4.184 J/(g·°C), or 4184 J/(kg·K) — water needs a lot of energy to warm up.

Why is q negative sometimes?

A negative q means the substance lost heat (it cooled down, so ΔT is negative).

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