Science · Grades 9–12
Thermal energy changes
Assume constant specific heat and no phase change.
The key idea
Assume constant specific heat and no phase change.
Q = mcΔT
Worked examples
A 12 kg sample has specific heat 800 J/(kg·°C). Its temperature rises 15°C with no phase change. Find the energy gained in J.
12 × 800 × 15 = 144000
144000 J
A 1 kg sample has specific heat 800 J/(kg·°C). Its temperature rises 25°C with no phase change. Find the energy gained in J.
1 × 800 × 25 = 20000
20000 J
Try it yourself
A 4 kg sample has specific heat 800 J/(kg·°C). Its temperature rises 24°C with no phase change. Find the energy gained in J.
A 3 kg sample has specific heat 500 J/(kg·°C). Its temperature rises 2°C with no phase change. Find the energy gained in J.
Check your understanding
Answers and marking notes
- 76800 J
4 × 800 × 24 = 76800
- 3000 J
3 × 500 × 2 = 3000
Further reading and review references
These are reference links, not copied exercises, institutional endorsement or proof of independent review.
Learning preview · teacher review required. Grade bands are approximate, not official curriculum alignment.