1. What is Specific Heat Capacity?

Definition: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of a substance by 1 Kelvin.

Purpose: This calculator helps determine the specific heat capacity of materials, which is crucial in thermodynamics, material science, and engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( c \) — Specific heat capacity (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 determine how much energy the material can store per unit mass per degree.

3. Importance of Specific Heat Capacity

Details: Knowing specific heat capacity helps in designing heating/cooling systems, selecting materials for thermal applications, and understanding energy requirements for processes.

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, Aluminum: ~900 J/kg K, Iron: ~450 J/kg K, Air: ~1005 J/kg K.

Q2: Why is water's specific heat so high?
A: Water's hydrogen bonding allows it to absorb much heat with relatively small temperature changes.

Q3: Can I use Celsius instead of Kelvin?
A: Yes, because ΔT is the same in both scales (1°C change = 1K change).

Q4: How do I measure heat energy (Q)?
A: Use calorimetry or calculate from power (Watts) × time (seconds).

Q5: What affects specific heat capacity?
A: Material composition, temperature, pressure, and phase (solid/liquid/gas).