How to Calculate Specific Heat
What is Specific Heat?
Specific heat capacity (c) is the energy required to raise 1 gram of a substance by 1°C. Water's unusually high specific heat (4.184 J/g°C) is why oceans moderate Earth's climate.
Formula
Q = m × c × ΔT where Q=heat, m=mass, c=specific heat capacity, ΔT=temperature change
- Q
- Heat Energy (Joules or cal)
- m
- Mass (kg or g)
- c
- Specific Heat Capacity (J/kg⋅K)
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Q = m × c × ΔT
- 2Q = heat energy (Joules)
- 3m = mass (grams)
- 4c = specific heat capacity (J/g°C)
- 5ΔT = temperature change (°C)
Worked Examples
Input
Heat 200g water from 20°C to 100°C
Result
Q = 200 × 4.184 × 80 = 66,944 J ≈ 16 kcal
Input
Same mass of iron (c=0.444)
Result
Q = 200 × 0.444 × 80 = 7,104 J — 9× less energy
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does water have high specific heat?
Water molecules form strong hydrogen bonds. These bonds require significant energy to break and reform during temperature changes, giving water high specific heat.
How does specific heat relate to thermal energy storage?
Materials with high specific heat (like water) store more thermal energy per temperature change. This is why water is used in thermal batteries and heating systems.
What's the difference between heat and temperature?
Temperature is a measure of molecular motion. Heat is the transfer of energy between objects. The same temperature change requires different amounts of heat depending on the material.
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