How this calculator works
Power is the rate of heat delivery. Multiplying delivered power by time gives the energy absorbed by the sample, which equals mass times specific heat times temperature rise when the material stays in one phase. Specific heat is treated as constant. Power here is the net rate reaching the sample, so account for heater inefficiency and environmental losses before entering it.
Formula
Q = P t = m c deltaT; P = m c deltaT/t; deltaT = Pt/(mc).
Worked example
A 2 kg sample with c = 1000 J/(kg K), warmed by 10 K in 20 s, needs 1000 W of delivered heat. A 1 kg water sample warmed by 10 K at 1000 W needs 41.86 s using c = 4186.
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Frequently asked questions
Does a 1000 W heater deliver 1000 W to the sample?
Only at 100% transfer efficiency. Enter the power that actually reaches the sample.
What if the sample melts or boils?
A latent-heat term is needed. Use the water-heating tool for an atmospheric-pressure water path.
Can I use Celsius for a temperature rise?
A Celsius degree and a kelvin have the same size. Enter only the rise in the K-labelled field, without an absolute-temperature offset.