Specific Heat Calculator
Calculate heat energy (Q), mass, specific heat capacity, or temperature change using Q = mcΔT.
Enter any three values to solve for the fourth.
Water: 4186
Enter three values to solve for the fourth.
Specific Heat Formula
Q = m × c × ΔT
Where Q is heat energy (joules), m is mass (kg), c is specific heat capacity (J/kg·°C), and ΔT is the temperature change.
Example: Heat 2 kg of water by 5°C.
Q = 2 × 4186 × 5 = 41,860 J (≈ 41.86 kJ)
Q = 2 × 4186 × 5 = 41,860 J (≈ 41.86 kJ)
Specific Heat Values
| Substance | c (J/kg·°C) |
|---|---|
| Water | 4,186 |
| Air | 1,006 |
| Aluminum | 897 |
| Iron | 449 |
| Copper | 385 |
| Gold | 129 |
FAQ
Why does water have a high specific heat?
Water molecules form hydrogen bonds that require significant energy to break. This makes water an excellent temperature buffer, which is why coastal climates are milder.
What does specific heat tell us?
A higher specific heat means more energy is needed to raise the temperature. Metals (low c) heat up and cool down quickly; water (high c) changes temperature slowly.
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Last updated: 2026-08-08