Specific Heat Capacity (Q = msΔT)
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Q = msΔT
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| Q | Heat energy transferred (J) |
| m | Mass of the substance (kg) |
| s | Specific heat capacity (J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹) |
| ΔT | Change in temperature (K or °C) |
When to use this
Valid during temperature change only (no phase change). Specific heat s = (1/m)(ΔQ/ΔT). Water has highest s among common substances: 4186 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹. Molar specific heat C = μs where μ is number of moles. For gases, Cp and Cv are distinct.