1. What is Thermal Energy?

Thermal energy is the energy that comes from heat. It's related to the movement of atoms and molecules in a substance and can be calculated using the formula Q = m × c × ΔT, where Q is thermal energy, m is mass, c is specific heat capacity, and ΔT is temperature change.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the thermal energy equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Thermal energy (Joules)
• \( m \) — Mass of the substance (kg)
• \( c \) — Specific heat capacity (J/kg·°C)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature change (°C)

Explanation: The equation shows that thermal energy is directly proportional to mass, specific heat capacity, and temperature change.

3. Importance of Thermal Energy Calculation

Details: Calculating thermal energy is essential in physics, engineering, and chemistry for understanding heat transfer, designing heating/cooling systems, and predicting temperature changes in materials.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms, specific heat in J/kg·°C, and temperature change in °C. All values must be valid (mass > 0, specific heat > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is specific heat capacity?
A: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C.

Q2: What are typical specific heat values?
A: Water: 4186 J/kg·°C, Aluminum: 900 J/kg·°C, Iron: 450 J/kg·°C, Copper: 385 J/kg·°C.

Q3: Can ΔT be negative?

Yes, a negative ΔT indicates heat loss (temperature decrease), resulting in negative Q (energy released).

Q4: How does this relate to calorimetry?
A: This equation is fundamental in calorimetry experiments where heat transfer is measured.

Q5: What's the difference between heat and temperature?
A: Temperature measures average kinetic energy, while heat is the transfer of thermal energy between systems.