Specific Heat Calculator
Calculate the specific heat capacity of a material from heat energy, mass, and temperature change.
How it works
- 1Enter the heat energy Q (in joules) added to or removed from the material.
- 2Enter the mass and the temperature change ΔT. Switch between metric (kg, Δ°C) and imperial (lb, Δ°F) with the toggle.
- 3The calculator applies c = Q ÷ (m·ΔT) and shows the specific heat capacity in J/(kg·K).
Use cases
- Identifying an unknown material by comparing its specific heat to reference values.
- Sizing heating or cooling systems from how much energy a mass can absorb.
- Calorimetry experiments in chemistry and physics labs.
Frequently asked questions
What is specific heat capacity?
It is the energy needed to raise 1 kg of a substance by 1 kelvin (or 1 °C). A high value (water ≈ 4186 J/kg·K) means the material absorbs a lot of energy per degree; a low value (copper ≈ 385) means it heats quickly.
What is the formula used?
c = Q ÷ (m·ΔT), where Q is heat in joules, m is mass in kg, and ΔT is the temperature change in kelvin (equal to a Celsius difference). Rearranged, it gives the familiar Q = m·c·ΔT.
Can you show a worked example?
If 83,720 J raises 2 kg of a liquid by 10 °C, then c = 83,720 ÷ (2 × 10) = 4186 J/(kg·K) — the value for water, confirming the liquid is water.
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