Heat Capacity Calculator
Calculate heat capacity, specific heat, mass, or temperature change using Q = mcΔT with unit conversions.
Heat Capacity and Thermal Energy
When you heat a substance, its temperature rises. The heat energy required depends on mass, specific heat, and the temperature change. Total heat capacity \(C\) is the product of mass and specific heat: \(C = mc\).
Heat Capacity Formula
$$Q = mc\Delta T$$\(Q\) is heat energy in joules, \(m\) is mass in kilograms, \(c\) is specific heat in J/(kg·K), and \(\Delta T\) is temperature change in kelvin (or degrees Celsius for differences).
Solving for Any Variable
Rearrange the formula to find any unknown: \(m = Q/(c\Delta T)\), \(c = Q/(m\Delta T)\), or \(\Delta T = Q/(mc)\). This calculator supports all four arrangements.
Related tools: Enthalpy Calculator and Specific Heat Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between heat capacity and specific heat?
Specific heat \(c\) is per unit mass (J/(kg·K)). Total heat capacity \(C = mc\) is for the entire object (J/K). A larger mass means larger \(C\) even with the same material.
Can I use Celsius for temperature change?
Yes. A temperature difference in °C equals the same difference in K because the scales share the same step size. Use K or °C interchangeably for \(\Delta T\).
What is a typical specific heat for water?
Pure water has a specific heat of about 4,186 J/(kg·K), one of the highest among common substances. That is why water buffers temperature changes effectively.
Does this formula apply during phase changes?
No. \(Q = mc\Delta T\) applies when temperature changes without melting or boiling. Phase changes use latent heat: \(Q = mL\).
What if specific heat varies with temperature?
This formula assumes constant specific heat over the temperature range. For large \(\Delta T\), use an average or temperature-dependent \(c\) from tables.
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