🔥 Specific Heat Calculator (q = mcΔT)
Enter any three of heat, mass, specific heat and temperature change, and q = mcΔT gives the fourth.
Heat energy
10460 J
q = mcΔT — with c in J/(g·°C), use grams and °C, giving q in joules. 🔒 Computed in your browser.
How the specific heat calculator (q = mcδt) works
The heat absorbed or released is q = m·c·ΔT, where m is mass, c is specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the temperature change. Enter any three quantities and the tool solves for the fourth. Water’s specific heat is 4.184 J/(g·°C).
Keep units consistent: with c in J/(g·°C), use grams and °C, and q comes out in joules. A positive q means heat absorbed; negative means released.
Frequently asked questions
What is the specific heat formula?
q = mcΔT: heat (q) equals mass (m) times specific heat capacity (c) times the temperature change (ΔT = T_final − T_initial).
What is the specific heat of water?
About 4.184 J/(g·°C) — the energy to raise 1 gram of water by 1 °C. This tool pre-fills it and lets you change it for other substances.
How do I solve for each variable?
Rearrange q = mcΔT: m = q/(cΔT), c = q/(mΔT), ΔT = q/(mc). Enter the three known values and the tool computes the fourth.
What does a negative q mean?
The substance released heat (cooled down): if ΔT is negative, q is negative. A positive q means it absorbed heat and warmed up.
What units should I use?
With c in J/(g·°C), use mass in grams and ΔT in °C, giving q in joules. Keep the units consistent throughout.