Specific Heat

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 units and enter the following:

• (Q)  Heat Energy Applied
• (m)  Mass of Object
• (ΔT)  Change in Temperature

Specific Heat (C):  The specific heat is returned in Joules per gram*degrees Celsius ( J/(g•C) ). 

The Math / Science

The formula for specific heat using change in temperature is:

   `C = Q / (m *DeltaT)`

where:

• C = Specific Heat
• Q = Energy Applied
• m = mass of object
• ΔT = Change in 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.

Heat Calculators:

• Specific Heat from Change in Temperature
• Specific Heat from Two Temperatures
• Specific Heat Lookup Table
• Heat Energy Needed to Change Temperature