Calculate the heat energy (Q) required to change the temperature of a substance. Supports solving for heat (Q), mass (m), specific heat (c), or temperature change (ΔT).
Q = 83,720.00 J
Formula: Q = m × c × ΔT. Q > 0 means heat absorbed (warming); Q < 0 means heat released (cooling).
What is Heat Energy (Q)?
Heat is the energy transferred from one body to another due to a temperature difference [citation:2]. The amount of heat absorbed or released during a temperature change is calculated using the formula:
Q = m × c × ΔT
Where:
- Q — heat energy (Joules, J)
- m — mass (kg)
- c — specific heat capacity (J/(kg·K))
- ΔT — temperature change (K or °C)
A positive Q means heat is absorbed (warming), while a negative Q means heat is released (cooling) [citation:1][citation:6]. This formula is valid when the substance stays in a single phase (no melting or boiling) [citation:3][citation:5].
Common specific heats (J/(kg·K)): Water 4186, Ice 2090, Steam 2010, Aluminum 897, Iron 449, Copper 385, Gold 129 [citation:11].
How to Use This Calculator
- Select what to solve for: Choose “Heat (Q)”, “Mass (m)”, “Specific Heat (c)”, or “Temperature Change (ΔT)”.
- Enter known values: Fill in the three known quantities. Leave the field you’re solving for empty.
- Calculate: Click “Calculate” or press Enter.
- Reset: Use “Reset” to restore default values.
- Interpretation: The result shows the missing value. For example, heating 2 kg of water by 10 K requires 83,720 J of energy.