Created By : Vaibhavi Kumari

Reviewed By : Rajashekhar Valipishetty

Last Updated : May 17, 2023


The Online Specific Heat Calculator is a free tool for calculating a sample's specific heat given additional inputs such as temperature, energy, sample mass, and so on. All you have to do is enter the relevant inputs and press the calculate button to get instant results.

Choose a Calculation
Change of temperature(ΔT):
Mass(m):
Energy(Q):

What is Specific Heat and Its Formula?

The amount of heat per unit mass required to raise the temperature by one degree Celsius is known as specific heat. The specific heat of various substances differs from one another and is determined by their ability to absorb heat.

The Heat Capacity Formula can be found here: c=Q/(mΔT)

  • The amount of heat given in Joules is denoted by Q.
  • m be the sample mass
  • ΔT is the difference between the initial and final temperatures.
  • Specific heat units are J/(kgK) or J/kg C.

For more concepts check out physicscalculatorpro.com to get quick answers by using this free tool.

How do you find the Specific Heat?

To compute the specific heat, use the simple steps outlined below. The list is as follows:

  • Initially, Determine the beginning and end temperatures, sample mass, and energy or heat given.
  • To get the change in temperature (T), find the difference between the initial and final temperatures.
  • Then, get the product of the change in temperature and the mass of the sample.
  • To determine the Specific Heat or Heat Capacity, divide the heat given or energy by the product gained in the previous step.

Typical Values of Specific Heat

Take a look at the specific heat values of the most regularly used chemicals in the table below. You can use this information to determine how much heat is required to increase or decrease the temperature of a sample. As so, they are.

  • 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)

Specific Heat Equation Examples

Question 1: If the amount of heat required for transition is 350Kcal, calculate the latent heat of a substance is 7kg.

Solution:

Consider the problem, we have

Energy = 130J

Initial Temperature = 20°C

Final Temperature = 50°C

Mass of Metal = 15g

Change in temperature ΔT=50°C-20°C=30°C

We know the formula to calculate specific heat or heat capacity c = Q/(mΔT).

Substituting the inputs, we get the following equation for heat capacity:

c = 130J/15g*30°C

c = 130J/450

We get the specific heat value by converting the units to a similar scale and simplifying further

As a result,The specific heat, c = 288.89 J/(kg·K)

FAQs on Specific Heat Calculator

1. What does the term specific heat mean?

The amount of thermal energy required to raise the temperature of a 1kg sample by 1K is known as specific heat.


2. How to estimte specific heat?

The difference between the initial and final temperatures can be used to compute specific heat by dividing the amount of provided heat by the mass of the sample.


3. What is the formula for calculating specific heat?

The formula for calculating specific heat is c=Q/(mΔT).


4. What does the acronym QMC ΔT stand for?

The quantity of heat given is Q, the mass of the sample is m and the temperature difference between the initial and final temperatures is ΔT.


5. What are the different types of units for specific heat capacity?

The units of Specific Heat Capacity are J/kg K or J/kg C.