How this calculator works
Sensible heat changes temperature without changing phase. The calculation assumes a constant specific heat over the temperature interval and uses signed heat added to the body. Presets come from OpenStax Table 1.3; their state and temperature are approximate reference conditions. A temperature difference is entered in kelvins without a Celsius offset. Use latent heat for melting or boiling.
Formula
Q = mc(Tf - Ti) = mc deltaT; deltaT = Q/(mc).
Worked example
Heating 1 kg of water from 293.15 K to 303.15 K with c = 4186 J/(kg K) requires 41860 J. Cooling 2 kg of aluminium by 5 K releases 9000 J, so heat added is -9000 J.
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Frequently asked questions
Why can heat be negative?
It means the sample loses energy as it cools.
Is a 10 C rise the same as a 10 K rise?
Yes. Temperature intervals have the same numerical value in Celsius and kelvins.
Are the presets exact?
No. Specific heat varies with temperature, composition and pressure; use custom data when these effects matter.