Specific Heat Calculator
Online Specific Heat Calculator is a free tool to compute the specific heat of a sample given the other inputs change in temperature, energy, mass of sample, etc. All you have to do is enter the related inputs and click on the calculate button to avail outputs in no time.
Specific Heat Calculator: Are you calculating Specific Heat during your homework or assignments and need any help on the same? Don't Worry as you will get complete knowledge on the concept of Specific Heat by the end of this article. Read on to be aware of specific heat definition, formula, units, steps on how to calculate specific heat, etc.
What is Specific Heat?
Specific Heat is defined as the amount of heat per unit mass needed to raise the temperature by one degree celsius. The specific heat for various substaances vary from one another and depends on the extent to which they can absorb heat.
Specific Heat Formula
Heat Capacity Formula is given by c = Q / (mΔT)
- Where Q is the amount of heat supplied in Joules
- m is the mass of the sample
- ΔT is the difference between Initial and Final Temperatues
Units of Specific Heat are J/(kg·K) or J/kg C
How to Calculate Specific Heat or Heat Capacity?
Follow the simple measures provided below to calculate the specific heat. They are as follows
- Firstly, determine the initial and final temperatures, mass of sample, amount of energy or heat supplied.
- Find the difference between initial and final temperatures to obtain the change in temperature(ΔT)
- Then, find the product of change in temperature, mass of sample.
- Divide the heat supplied or energy with the product obtained in the earlier step to get the Specific Heat or Heat Capacity.
Example
If you have 18g of piece of metal that absorbs 120J of heat while increasing from 22°C to 48°C. How will you find its Specific Heat?
Solution:
Given that
Energy = 120 J
Initial Temperature = 22°C
Final Temperature = 48°C
Mass of Metal = 18g
Change in temperature ΔT = 48°C - 22°C = 26°C
We know the formula to calculate specific heat or heat capacity c = Q / (mΔT)
Substituting the inputs we have the equation for heat capacity as under
c = 120 J/8g *26°C
Changing the units into similar scale and simplifying further we have the specific heat value 256.41 J/(kg·K)
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Typical Values of Specific Heat
Have a glance at the specific heat values of most of the commonly used substances below. You can use this information to decide on how much heat is needed to supply a sample inorder to increase or decrease its temperature. They are as such
- ice: 2,100 J/(kg·K)
- water: 4,200 J/(kg·K)
- water vapor: 2,000 J/(kg·K)
- basalt: 840 J/(kg·K)
- granite: 790 J/(kg·K)
- aluminum: 890 J/(kg·K)
- iron: 450 J/(kg·K)
- copper: 380 J/(kg·K)
- lead: 130 J/(kg·K)
Frequently Asked Questions on Specific Heat Calculator
1. What is meant by Specific Heat?
Specific Heat is the amount of thermal energy needed to supply to a sample of weight 1kg to increase temperature by 1 K.
2. How to Calculate Specific Heat?
Specific Heat can be calculated by dividing amount of supplied heat by mass of sample and difference between initial and final temperatures.
3. What is Specific Heat Formula?
The Formula for Specific Heat is given by c = Q / (mΔT)
4. What does Q MC ΔT mean?
Q is the amount of heat supplied, m is the mass of the sample and ΔT is the difference between initial and final temperatures.
5. What are the Units of Specific Heat Capacity?
The Units of Specific Heat Capacity are J/kg K or J/kg C.