Change of Temperature Formula

Temperature Change Formula:

\[ \Delta T = \frac{Q}{m \cdot c} \]

Temperature Change (ΔT):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is the Change of Temperature Formula?

The change of temperature formula calculates the temperature change of a substance when heat energy is added or removed. It is derived from the fundamental relationship between heat, mass, specific heat capacity, and temperature change in thermodynamics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the temperature change formula:

\[ \Delta T = \frac{Q}{m \cdot c} \]

Where:

\( \Delta T \) — Temperature change (K)
\( Q \) — Heat energy transferred (J)
\( m \) — Mass of the substance (kg)
\( c \) — Specific heat capacity (J/kg·K)

Explanation: The formula shows that temperature change is directly proportional to the heat energy added and inversely proportional to both the mass and specific heat capacity of the substance.

3. Importance of Temperature Change Calculation

Details: Calculating temperature change is essential in various fields including engineering, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. It helps in designing heating/cooling systems, understanding thermal processes, and predicting material behavior under thermal stress.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter heat energy in joules (J), mass in kilograms (kg), and specific heat capacity in joules per kilogram per kelvin (J/kg·K). All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is specific heat capacity?
A: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 Kelvin.

Q2: Can this formula be used for cooling processes?
A: Yes, the formula works for both heating and cooling. For cooling, Q will be negative, resulting in a negative temperature change.

Q3: Why is temperature change in Kelvin?
A: Kelvin is used because it's the SI unit for thermodynamic temperature and the size of one Kelvin degree is the same as one Celsius degree.

Q4: What are typical specific heat capacity values?
A: Water: 4184 J/kg·K, Aluminum: 897 J/kg·K, Iron: 449 J/kg·K, Copper: 385 J/kg·K.

Q5: Does this formula account for phase changes?
A: No, this formula only applies when there is no phase change. During phase changes, heat energy goes into breaking molecular bonds rather than changing temperature.