The Specific Heat calculator computes the specific heat of an item based on the heat energy applied, the mass of the object and the change in temperature. Specific Heat is the heat transfer capacity per unit mass of a material.
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose the preferred units and enter the following:
(Q) Heat Energy Applied
(m) Mass of Object
(Ti) Initial Temperature.
(Tf) Final Temperature.
Specific Heat (C): The specific heat is returned in Joules per gram*degrees kelvin ( J/(g•K) ).
The Math / Science
The formula for specific heat using two temperatures is:
C=Qm⋅(Ti−Tf)
where:
C = Specific Heat
Q = Energy Applied
m = mass of object
Ti = Initial Temperature
Tf = Final Temperature
The specific heat is the amount of heat per unit mass required to raise the temperature by one degree Celsius. The relationship between heat and temperature change is usually expressed in the form shown where C is the specific heat.