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Heat Transfer Equation:
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The heat transfer calculation using the formula q = m × c × ΔT determines the amount of heat energy gained or lost by a substance. This fundamental principle in thermodynamics and chemistry helps quantify thermal energy changes during physical and chemical processes.
The calculator uses the heat transfer equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the thermal energy required to change the temperature of a given mass of substance by a specific amount, based on the material's specific heat capacity.
Details: Accurate heat transfer calculations are essential for designing heating/cooling systems, understanding chemical reactions, calorimetry experiments, energy efficiency analysis, and thermal management in various industrial processes.
Tips: Enter mass in grams, specific heat capacity in J/g°C, and temperature change in °C. Positive ΔT indicates heat gain, negative ΔT indicates heat loss. All values must be valid (mass > 0, specific heat > 0).
Q1: What is specific heat capacity?
A: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1°C. Different materials have different specific heat values.
Q2: How does positive vs negative ΔT affect the result?
A: Positive ΔT (temperature increase) indicates heat absorption/endothermic process, while negative ΔT (temperature decrease) indicates heat release/exothermic process.
Q3: What are typical specific heat values?
A: Water: 4.184 J/g°C, Aluminum: 0.897 J/g°C, Iron: 0.449 J/g°C, Copper: 0.385 J/g°C. These values vary with temperature and phase.
Q4: Can this be used for phase changes?
A: No, this formula only applies to temperature changes without phase transitions. For phase changes, use q = m × ΔH (enthalpy of fusion/vaporization).
Q5: What are common applications?
A: Calorimetry experiments, HVAC system design, cooking calculations, material science, chemical engineering processes, and environmental science studies.