# Heat Capacity Formula

Heat capacity is the heat required to increase an object temperature by one degree.

Heat gain or loss results to changes in temperature, state and performance of the work. Heat is a transfer of energy. The heat capacity of defined object is usually expressed in joules or calories and temperature in Kelvin or Celsius.

Heat Capacity formula is expressed by,

$c=\frac{\Delta&space;Q}{\Delta&space;T}$

Wherein,

ΔQ = amount of heat transferred,
ΔT = temperature difference.

Heat Capacity problem can be applied to calculate the heat capacity, mass or temperature difference of any given substance.
Heat Capacity is described in Joule per Kelvin (J/K).
Please note that in Heat capacity, we consider the specific amount of mass and that mass can be any amount.

Example 1
Determine the heat capacity of copper of mass 70 g and the temperature difference is 20oC if 300 J of heat is lost.

Solution:

Given parameters are,
Mass m = 70 g,
Temperature difference T = 20oC,
Heat lost Δ Q = 300 J
the Heat capacity formula is given by
c = ΔQ / ΔT
c= 300 / 20

c= 15 J/oC

Example 2
Determine the heat capacity of 3000 J of heat is used to heat the iron rod of mass 10 Kg from 20oC to 40oC.

Solution:

Given parameters are
Mass m = 10 Kg,
Temperature difference Δ T = 20oC,
Heat lost ΔQ = 3000 J
The Heat capacity formula is given by
c = ΔQ / ΔT
c= 3000 / 20
c= 150 J/oC