Heat Transfer Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the heat transfer calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Heat Energy
heat = mass * specific_heat * delta_tHeat Energy (kJ)
heat_kj = mass * specific_heat * delta_t / 1000Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
mass | Mass(kg) | 1 |
specific_heat | Specific Heat Capacity(J/(kg·°C)) | 4186 |
delta_t | Temperature Change(°C) | 50 |
How It Works
Heat Transfer (Q = mcDeltaT)
The heat energy needed to change the temperature of a substance depends on its mass, specific heat capacity, and temperature change.
Formula
Q = m * c * DeltaT
where m is mass (kg), c is specific heat capacity (J/(kg·°C)), and DeltaT is the temperature change.
Worked Example
Heating 1 kg of water from 20°C to 70°C (DeltaT = 50°C).
mass = 1specific_heat = 4186delta_t = 50
- 01Q = m * c * DeltaT
- 02Q = 1 * 4186 * 50
- 03Q = 209,300 J
- 04Q = 209.3 kJ
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Heat Transfer Calculator