Specific Heat Equation
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Specific Heat Equation
c = specific heat (J/(kg·K)); Q = heat transferred (J); m = mass (kg); ΔT = temperature change (K or °C).
- Related Glossary Terms
- Index
Reviewed physics notes (1)
These corrections keep the original lesson’s purpose while fixing errors in the source edition.
- Specific heat per gram with mass in kilograms introduces a factor of 1000. — Reference 1
Glossary and deeper reading · 2 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Specific heat
Specific heat is the energy needed per unit mass for a unit temperature increase under the stated conditions. Its units are joules per kilogram per kelvin, and the simple calorimetry model treats it as constant without a phase change. For example, equal masses of two materials can require different energy transfers for the same temperature rise.
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Calorimetry
Calorimetry measures energy transfers by tracking temperature changes and any relevant phase changes. The energy balance must include the named objects and account for the container or energy leakage when they matter. For example, mixing a warm metal sample with cooler water can help estimate the metal’s specific heat.