Heat Capacity Calculator

Calculate specific heat, thermal energy, temperature changes, and heat transfer using Q = mcΔT. Perfect for thermodynamics, calorimetry, and heat transfer calculations.

Heat Capacity Calculator

/ g·°C
Common values:
Water (liquid)4.184 J/g·°C
Ice2.108 J/g·°C
Steam2.01 J/g·°C
Aluminum0.897 J/g·°C
Copper0.385 J/g·°C
Iron0.449 J/g·°C
Lead0.129 J/g·°C
Gold0.129 J/g·°C
Silver0.235 J/g·°C
Glass0.84 J/g·°C

About Heat Capacity

Formula

Q = mcΔT

Where Q = heat, m = mass, c = specific heat, ΔT = temperature change

Key Concepts

  • Heat Capacity: Amount of heat needed to raise temperature by 1°C
  • Specific Heat: Heat capacity per unit mass
  • Heat Transfer: Energy flow due to temperature difference
  • Endothermic: Process that absorbs heat
  • Exothermic: Process that releases heat

Common Specific Heats

Water (liquid)4.184 J/g·°C
Ice2.108 J/g·°C
Steam2.01 J/g·°C
Aluminum0.897 J/g·°C
Copper0.385 J/g·°C
Iron0.449 J/g·°C
Lead0.129 J/g·°C
Gold0.129 J/g·°C
Silver0.235 J/g·°C
Glass0.84 J/g·°C
Wood1.76 J/g·°C
Concrete0.88 J/g·°C
Air1.005 J/g·°C
Ethanol2.44 J/g·°C
Methanol2.51 J/g·°C
Acetone2.15 J/g·°C
Benzene1.74 J/g·°C
Toluene1.72 J/g·°C
Hexane2.26 J/g·°C
Octane2.22 J/g·°C

How to Use

  1. Select the calculation type you want to perform
  2. Enter the required values based on your calculation
  3. Choose appropriate units for your inputs
  4. Click Calculate to get the result

Common Applications

  • Calorimetry experiments
  • Heat exchanger design
  • Thermal insulation analysis
  • Phase change calculations
  • Thermal energy storage

Important Notes

  • Specific heat varies with temperature and phase
  • Water has unusually high specific heat (4.184 J/g·°C)
  • Metals generally have low specific heats
  • Temperature changes can be positive or negative
  • Units must be consistent for accurate calculations