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When heat energy is added to a substance, the temperature will change by a certain amount. The relationship between heat energy and the temperature is different for every material, and the specific heat is a value that describes how they relate.

heat energy = (mass of substance)(specific heat)(change in temperature)

Q = mc∆T

Q = heat energy (Joules, J)

m = mass of a substance (kg)

c = specific heat (units J/kg∙K)

∆ is a symbol meaning “the change in”

∆T = change in temperature (Kelvins, K)

Specific Heat Formula Questions:

1) The specific heat of gold is 129 J/kg∙K. What is the quantity of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 100 g of gold by 50.0 K?

a. The energy required to raise the temperature of the piece of gold is? (Q = __?__J)