Calorimetry Heat Transfer Calculator
Calculate heat absorbed or released using q = mcΔT.
Supports coffee-cup calorimetry for reactions.
Includes common specific heat values.
Calorimetry measures heat flow in chemical and physical processes.
The fundamental formula:
q = m × c × ΔT
Where:
- q = heat transferred (joules, J)
- m = mass (grams)
- c = specific heat capacity (J/g·°C)
- ΔT = T_final − T_initial (degrees Celsius or Kelvin — same difference)
Coffee-cup calorimetry: For a reaction occurring in aqueous solution:
q_reaction = −q_solution = −m_solution × c_solution × ΔT
Assuming c_solution ≈ 4.18 J/g·°C (dilute aqueous solution ≈ water).
Specific heat capacities (c) at 25°C:
| Substance | c (J/g·°C) |
|---|---|
| Water (liquid) | 4.184 |
| Ice | 2.09 |
| Steam | 2.01 |
| Ethanol | 2.44 |
| Aluminum | 0.897 |
| Iron | 0.449 |
| Copper | 0.385 |
| Lead | 0.128 |
| Gold | 0.129 |
| Glycerol | 2.43 |
| Sand/silica | 0.835 |
Sign convention:
- q > 0: system absorbs heat (endothermic)
- q < 0: system releases heat (exothermic)
Converting units:
- 1 calorie (cal) = 4.184 J
- 1 food Calorie (kcal) = 4184 J
- 1 BTU = 1055.06 J
Molar enthalpy: If the number of moles is known, the molar enthalpy change:
ΔH = q / n (kJ/mol)
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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