How this calculator works
Specific heat is the heat required per kilogram per kelvin under the chosen experimental constraints. Divide measured heat by mass and temperature change, allowing for calorimeter heating and environmental losses before entering net sample heat. This assumes no phase change and an approximately constant specific heat. The reference mode lists selected OpenStax Table 1.3 materials; gas values use constant pressure.
Formula
c = Q/[m(Tf - Ti)]; Q = mc deltaT; m = Q/(c deltaT).
Worked example
A 2 kg sample absorbing 1000 J while warming 5 K has c = 100 J/(kg K). A 0.5 kg sample absorbing 900 J over 2 K has c = 900 J/(kg K).
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Frequently asked questions
What if the temperature does not change?
Specific heat cannot be inferred by division. Energy may instead be going into a phase change.
Should cooling give negative specific heat?
For ordinary materials, both heat and temperature change are negative, giving positive specific heat.
Does the calorimeter matter?
Yes. Subtract its heat uptake and account for losses to isolate the sample energy.