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Thermal Energy calculator

Calculate the thermal energy (heat) absorbed or released when a substance changes temperature.

How it works Report a problem

Thermal Energy

E = m × c × ΔT · Mass · Specific Heat · Temperature

E = m × c × ΔT  |  Thermal Energy in Joules

About the Thermal Energy calculator

Calculate the thermal energy (heat) absorbed or released when a substance changes temperature.

How to use the Thermal Energy calculator

  1. Enter m (kg), c (J/kg·K) and ΔT (°C).
  2. Press Calculate to get the heat in joules.

Formula and method

Q = m × c × ΔT. A positive result means heat is absorbed; negative means it is released.

Worked example

Cooling 0.5 kg of aluminium (c = 900 J/kg·K) by 40 °C releases 0.5 × 900 × 40 = 18,000 J.

Tips

  • Common values: water 4,186, aluminium 900, copper 385 J/kg·K.
  • Phase changes such as melting need extra latent heat.

Frequently asked questions

Is heat the same as temperature?
No. Temperature measures how hot something is. Heat is the energy transferred because of a temperature difference.