Relating the Quantity of Heat to the Temperature Change

Specific heat capacities provide a means of mathematically relating the amount of thermal
energy gained (or lost) by a sample of any substance to the sample's mass and its resulting
temperature change. The relationship between these four quantities is often expressed by the
following equation.

Q = m•C•ΔT

where Q is the quantity of heat transferred to or from the object, m is the mass of the object, C
is the specific heat capacity of the material the object is composed of, and ΔT is the resulting
temperature change of the object. As in all situations in science, a delta (∆) value for any
quantity is calculated by subtracting the initial value of the quantity from the final value of the
quantity. In this case, ΔT is equal to Tfinal - Tinitial. When using the above equation, the Q value
can turn out to be either positive or negative. As always, a positive and a negative result from a
calculation has physical significance. A positive Q value indicates that the object gained thermal
energy from its surroundings; this would correspond to an increase in temperature and a
positive ΔT value. A negative Q value indicates that the object released thermal energy to its
surroundings; this would correspond to a decrease in temperature and a negative ΔT value.

Knowing any three of these four quantities allows an individual to calculate the fourth quantity.
A common task in many physics classes involves solving problems associated with the
relationships between these four quantities. As examples, consider the two problems below. The
solution to each problem is worked out for you. Additional practice can be found in the Check
Your Understanding section at the bottom of the page.

Example Problem 1

What quantity of heat is required to raise the temperature of 450 grams of water from 15°C to
85°C? The specific heat capacity of water is 4.18 J/g/°C.

Like any problem in physics, the solution begins by identifying known quantities and relating
them to the symbols used in the relevant equation. In this problem, we know the following:
m = 450 g

C = 4.18 J/g/°C

Tinitial = 15°C

Tfinal = 85°C