How this calculator works
Total heat capacity C describes an object rather than only its material: doubling the mass doubles C when specific heat remains constant. Material presets are approximate OpenStax Table 1.3 values, with gas presets at constant pressure and the stated temperatures. For precision work, enter a measured value for the actual state. No phase change is included.
Formula
C = mc; m = C/c; c = C/m; Q = C deltaT for constant C.
Worked example
Two kilograms of water with c = 4186 J/(kg K) have C = 8372 J/K. An aluminium object with C = 1800 J/K and c = 900 J/(kg K) has mass 2 kg.
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Frequently asked questions
Does heat capacity depend on mass?
Yes. Specific heat describes each kilogram; heat capacity describes the whole sample.
Are gas heat capacities unique?
No. Constant-pressure and constant-volume values differ. The gas presets here use constant-pressure values.
Can I use it across melting?
No. Latent heat must be included separately during a phase change.