How it is calculated
The formula assumes no change of state. Boiling and melting are not described by this line. A negative change means cooling, and a negative quantity of heat.
Q = c × m × ΔT
Where the numbers come from
- Mass — unit in the field: kg
- Temperature change — unit in the field: °C
- Specific heat — unit in the field: J/(kg·°C)
Example
1 kg of water raised by 10 degrees needs 41,84 kJ, about 10 kcal.
Questions
Why 4184, not 4200?
This is the thermochemical kilocalorie, lined up with the energy converter: 1 kcal = 4184 J.
Metal?
Enter its specific heat capacity instead of 4184. For steel it is about 500.
Hot-plate power?
Divide the joules by the seconds yourself if you want watts at an efficiency of 100%.