1. What is Heat Transfer?

Heat transfer by specific heat refers to the amount of thermal energy required to change the temperature of a substance. The fundamental equation Q = m × c × ΔT calculates the heat energy transferred based on mass, specific heat capacity, and temperature change.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the heat transfer equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: This equation calculates the thermal energy required to raise or lower the temperature of a given mass of substance by a specific temperature difference.

3. Importance of Heat Transfer Calculation

Details: Accurate heat transfer calculations are essential for thermal system design, energy efficiency analysis, material selection, and understanding thermodynamic processes in engineering and physics applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms, specific heat capacity in J/kg·K, and temperature change in Kelvin. All values must be valid (mass > 0, specific heat > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is specific heat capacity?
A: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of a substance by 1 Kelvin.

Q2: Can I use Celsius instead of Kelvin for ΔT?
A: Yes, since temperature differences are the same in both Celsius and Kelvin scales (1°C = 1K difference).

Q3: What are typical specific heat values?
A: Water: 4186 J/kg·K, Aluminum: 900 J/kg·K, Iron: 450 J/kg·K, Copper: 385 J/kg·K.

Q4: When is this equation applicable?
A: This equation applies to sensible heat transfer where there is no phase change (melting, boiling, etc.).

Q5: What if the temperature decreases?
A: Use a negative ΔT value to calculate heat released when temperature decreases.