Physics
Basic

Heat Energy

Heat needed to change temperature of a substance.

Formula

Q=mcΔTQ = mc\Delta T

Variables

mMass
cSpecific heat
\Delta TTemp change

Example

Heating 1 kg of water (c = 4186) by 10 °C needs Q = 1·4186·10 ≈ 41.9 kJ.

Did You Know?

Water's huge heat capacity is why coastal climates are mild and why it's used to cool engines.