Enter the mass, specific heat, and change in temperature into the calculator to determine the total energy released.

## Energy Release Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the energy release of a process or chemical reaction.

Q = m*Cp*T
• Where Q is the energy release (J)
• m is the mass (kg)
• Cp is the specific heat capacity (J/kg*C)
• T is the change in temperature (C)

To calculate the energy release, multiply the change in temperature of the system by the mass and specific heat capacity.

## Energy Release Definition

An energy release is a measure of the total amount of energy that leaves a system during the time period. This energy release is generally used to refer to chemical reactions.

## Energy Release Example

How to calculate energy release?

1. First, determine the mass.

Measure the total mass in kg.

2. Next, determine the specific heat.

Calculate or determine the specific heat capacity.

3. Next, determine the change in temperature.

Calculate the change in temperature that happens during the process.

4. Finally, calculate the energy release.

Calculate an energy release using the formula above.

## When is energy released?

Energy is released in any chemical or physical process that creates a net positive change in temperature to the surrounding area of that process. For example, a combustion process will heat up the air around the combustion and increase its temperature.

## Can energy be released when matter changes?

Energy can be released when matter changes in instances in which the net amount of matter is reduced from the process. For example, in radioactive materials, the matter is converted to energy during radioactive decay.

## How does fission release energy?

The process of fission releases energy through the conversion of mass into energy. During fission, an atom splits into two smaller nuclei that have less mass combined than the initial atom. The lost mass was converted directly to energy.

## Can energy released be negative?

Yes, the energy released can be negative for processes that require additional energy to occur. For example, in order to convert water to steam, energy must be added to the water, so for that process, the energy released to the surrounding area is negative.

## FAQ

What is energy release?

An energy release is a measure of the total amount of energy that a system or solution loses during a process.