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Heat Capacity Formula:
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Heat capacity (C) is a physical property of matter defined as the amount of heat energy (Q) required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree Kelvin (ΔT). The formula is:
The calculator uses the heat capacity formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the heat capacity by dividing the amount of heat energy transferred by the resulting temperature change.
Details: Heat capacity is crucial in thermodynamics and materials science for understanding how substances absorb and store thermal energy, which is essential for designing heating/cooling systems and studying thermal properties of materials.
Tips: Enter heat energy in joules (J) and temperature change in Kelvin (K). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What's the difference between heat capacity and specific heat capacity?
A: Heat capacity (C) is an extensive property that depends on the amount of material, while specific heat capacity (c) is an intensive property defined as heat capacity per unit mass (c = C/m).
Q2: Can heat capacity be negative?
A: Under normal conditions, heat capacity is always positive. A negative heat capacity would violate thermodynamic laws as it would imply temperature decreases when heat is added.
Q3: How does heat capacity vary with temperature?
A: For most substances, heat capacity increases with temperature, particularly near phase transitions. Some materials show complex temperature dependence.
Q4: What are typical heat capacity values?
A: Heat capacity values vary widely by material. Water has a high heat capacity of about 4184 J/kg·K, while metals typically range from 100-1000 J/kg·K.
Q5: Why is heat capacity important in engineering?
A: Heat capacity is critical in designing thermal systems, calculating energy requirements for heating/cooling processes, and understanding thermal management in various applications from electronics to building design.