Heat Formula

📖 What is the Heat Formula?

This formula calculates the heat energy absorbed or released when a substance changes temperature. It is central to calorimetry and thermochemistry. The "c" value (specific heat capacity) is different for every substance.

Q = m × c × ΔT

🔤 What Each Variable Means

Q

Heat energy (Joules, J)Positive Q = heat absorbed; negative Q = heat released

m

Mass (grams or kg)The mass of the substance being heated or cooled

c

Specific heat capacity (J/g·°C)For water: c = 4.18 J/g·°C

ΔT

Temperature change (°C or K)ΔT = T_final − T_initial

📝 Step-by-Step Example

How much heat is needed to warm 200 g of water from 20°C to 80°C?

1

Identify valuesm=200 g, c=4.18 J/g·°C, ΔT=80-20=60°C

2

Apply formulaQ = 200 × 4.18 × 60

✓

Answer: Q = 50,160 J = 50.16 kJ

🧮 Interactive Calculator

Mass m (g)

Specific heat c (J/g·°C)

Temp change ΔT (°C)

Result will appear here

💡 Common Specific Heat Values

Substance	c (J/g·°C)
Water (liquid)	4.18
Ice	2.09
Aluminium	0.897
Iron	0.449
Copper	0.385

📖 What is the Heat Formula?

🔤 What Each Variable Means

📝 Step-by-Step Example

🧮 Interactive Calculator

💡 Common Specific Heat Values

🔗 Related