1. What is Heat Gained or Lost Calculation?

Definition: This calculator determines the amount of heat energy transferred (Q) when a substance changes temperature.

Purpose: It helps in thermodynamics calculations for physics, chemistry, and engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: Positive Q means heat is absorbed (temperature increases), negative Q means heat is released (temperature decreases).

3. Importance of Heat Transfer Calculation

Details: Accurate heat calculations are essential for thermal system design, energy efficiency analysis, and chemical reaction studies.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kg, specific heat capacity (default 4186 J/kg·K for water), and temperature change in Kelvin. All values must be valid numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a negative result mean?
A: A negative Q indicates heat loss (exothermic process), while positive indicates heat gain (endothermic process).

Q2: What are typical specific heat values?
A: Water = 4186 J/kg·K, Aluminum = 900 J/kg·K, Iron = 450 J/kg·K, Air ≈ 1000 J/kg·K.

Q3: Why use Kelvin for temperature change?
A: Kelvin is used because 1°C change equals 1K change, and it avoids negative values in calculations.

Q4: Can I use Celsius instead of Kelvin?
A: Yes, since ΔT is the same in both scales (Δ1°C = Δ1K), but the calculator expects Kelvin input.

Q5: How does this relate to calorimetry?
A: This is the fundamental equation used in calorimetry to measure heat transfer in chemical reactions.