1. What is Specific Heat?

Definition: Specific heat is the amount of heat per unit mass required to raise the temperature by one degree Celsius (or Kelvin).

Purpose: It helps determine how much energy is needed to heat materials and how materials store thermal energy.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The heat energy is divided by the product of mass and temperature change to get the specific heat capacity.

3. Importance of Specific Heat Calculation

Details: Knowing specific heat is crucial for thermal system design, material selection, and energy efficiency calculations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the heat energy in Joules, mass in kilograms, and temperature change in Kelvin. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical specific heat values?
A: Water: 4186 J/kg·K, Concrete: ~880 J/kg·K, Aluminum: 897 J/kg·K, Iron: 450 J/kg·K.

Q2: Why use Kelvin for temperature change?
A: A 1°C change equals a 1K change, but Kelvin ensures positive values in calculations.

Q3: How does specific heat affect construction materials?
A: Materials with high specific heat (like concrete) absorb more heat, helping regulate building temperatures.

Q4: What's the difference between heat capacity and specific heat?
A: Heat capacity is total energy per temperature change, while specific heat is per unit mass.

Q5: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides theoretical values; real-world factors like impurities may affect actual specific heat.