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Specific heat capacity calculator
Thermal physics and gases
The energy needed to change the temperature of a mass of material.
ΔE = m c Δθ
This free calculator is for GCSE and A-level physics. Choose the quantity you want to find, enter the other values with their units, and it shows the working in the layout used in exams, with the answer to the number of significant figures you choose. The values shown are an example. Change them to your own.
Quantity to find
Working
- Write the equationΔE = m c Δθ
- Substitute the valuesΔE = 0.5 × 4200 × 40
- CalculateΔE = 84000 J
- Give the answer to 3 significant figuresΔE = 84000 J
In standard form: 8.40 × 104 J
Worked example
Find ΔE, the change in thermal energy. Given: mass m = 0.500 kg; specific heat capacity c = 4200 J/(kg °C); temperature change Δθ = 40.0 °C.
- Write the equationΔE = m c Δθ
- Substitute the valuesΔE = 0.5 × 4200 × 40
- CalculateΔE = 84000 J
- Give the answer to 3 significant figuresΔE = 84000 J
In standard form: 8.40 × 104 J
Symbols and units
| Symbol | Quantity | SI unit |
|---|---|---|
| ΔE | Change in thermal energy | J |
| m | Mass | kg |
| c | Specific heat capacity | J/(kg °C) |
| Δθ | Temperature change | °C |
Specific heat capacity: rearranged
- To find change in thermal energy: ΔE = m c Δθ
- To find mass: m = ΔE / (c Δθ)
- To find specific heat capacity: c = ΔE / (m Δθ)
- To find temperature change: Δθ = ΔE / (m c)
Exam tip
Δθ is final temperature minus initial temperature. A change of 1 °C is the same as a change of 1 K.
Common questions
What is the formula for specific heat capacity?
The equation is ΔE = m c Δθ, where ΔE is the change in thermal energy (J); m is the mass (kg); c is the specific heat capacity (J/(kg °C)); Δθ is the temperature change (°C).
What units should I use for specific heat capacity?
In SI units: change in thermal energy in J, mass in kg, specific heat capacity in J/(kg °C), temperature change in °C. The calculator also accepts common alternatives such as kilometres, grams or minutes, and converts them for you.
How do I rearrange ΔE = m c Δθ?
Rearranging gives these forms: to find change in thermal energy: ΔE = m c Δθ. to find mass: m = ΔE / (c Δθ). to find specific heat capacity: c = ΔE / (m Δθ). to find temperature change: Δθ = ΔE / (m c).
Practise specific heat capacity questions
Press the button for a question with random numbers. Work it out on paper first, then type your answer.
Related
Read the full explanation on the Specific heat capacity formula page. More thermal physics and gases equations: Specific latent heat, Ideal gas equation, Boyle’s law, Gas equation with molecules, Mean kinetic energy of a gas atom, Stefan–Boltzmann law, Wien’s law. See the full list on the physics equation calculator page.