Equation and purpose
Heat from mass, specific heat, temperature change.
\[q = m c \Delta T\]
Heat from mass, specific heat, temperature change.
REARRANGEMENTS
$c = q/(mΔT)$
Dimensional check: J ✓
Variables and units
| Symbol | Quantity | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| q | q | — | — |
| m | m | — | — |
| c | c | — | — |
| ΔT | ΔT | — | — |
Conditions and limitations
No phase change during ΔT; assumes constant c.
Worked example
100 g water, c=4.18, ΔT=10 K → q=4180 J.
Calorimetry Heat
Heat from mass, specific heat, temperature change.
Equation
Inline: $q = m c \Delta T$$
Variables
| Symbol | Quantity | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| heat | J | — | |
| mass | g | — | |
| specific heat | J·g⁻¹·K⁻¹ | — | |
| temperature change | K | — |
Conditions and limitations
No phase change during ΔT; assumes constant c.
Rearrangements
Dimensional check: J ✓
Worked example
100 g water, c=4.18, ΔT=10 K → q=4180 J.
Steps: write equation → substitute with units → check dimensional consistency → report with correct significant figures.
Common errors
- Sign confusion (endothermic positive)
- Using °C vs K incorrectly (ΔT same magnitude is okay)
Related resources
- thermochemistry-thermodynamics topic
- Calculators — linked only when a real calculator implements this formula.
- Constants — sourced constants with version when values are required.
Sources
- NIST Physical Constants 2022 — CODATA.
Reviewed 2026-08-21 by Editorial Team; due 2027-08-21.
Common errors
- Sign confusion (endothermic positive)
- Using °C vs K incorrectly (ΔT same magnitude is okay)
RELATED FORMULAS
C
Chemistry Fundamentals Editorial TeamAuthor
E
Editorial Review BoardReviewer
Editorial Team — transparent review placeholder
Reviewed August 21, 2026
SOURCES
- [nist-2022]NIST Physical Constants 2022 (2022). NISThttps://physics.nist.gov/constants