Enter the mass, specific heat, and change in temperature to calculate the thermal energy.

Thermal Energy Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the thermal energy.

Q = m*c*ΔT
  • Where Q is the thermal energy (J)
  • m is the mass
  • c is the specific heat
  • ΔT is the change in temperature

To calculate the thermal energy, multiply the mass of the system by the specific heat of the material, then multiply again by the change in temperature.

Thermal Energy Definition

Thermal energy is defined as the total energy contained within the heat.

Thermal Energy Example

How to calculate thermal energy?

  1. First, determine the mass.

    Measure the mass of the object, typically in units of kilograms.

  2. Next, determine the specific heat.

    Look up the specific heat of the object.

  3. Next, determine the change in temperature.

    Measure the absolute change in temperature of the object over a given time period.

  4. Finally, calculate the thermal energy.

    Using the formula above, calculate the thermal energy.


FAQ

What is a thermal energy?

Thermal energy is a measure of the internal energy of an object stored through the movement of its particles.