AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
The following equation applies:
Full specification wording
Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity: The following equation applies:
This statement introduces the equation that links energy transferred to a temperature change: ΔE = mcΔθ.
Checked against the AQA 8464 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 10
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This statement introduces the equation that links energy transferred to a temperature change: ΔE = mcΔθ. In words, energy transferred equals mass multiplied by specific heat capacity multiplied by temperature change. ΔE is the energy transferred in joules, m is mass in kilograms, c is specific heat capacity in joules per kilogram per degree Celsius, and Δθ is the temperature change in degrees Celsius. For example, heating 2 kg of water (c = 4200 J/kg °C) by 10 °C needs ΔE = 2 × 4200 × 10 = 84 000 J. The equation assumes no change of state and no significant energy losses to the surroundings. Rearranging allows calculation of any one quantity when the other three are known.
What earns the marks
- State the equation ΔE = mcΔθ and identify each symbol with its unit.
- Substitute numerical values correctly, converting grams to kilograms where necessary.
- Rearrange the equation to make mass, specific heat capacity or temperature change the subject.
- Calculate a temperature change or energy transferred and give the answer with the correct unit.
- Recognise that the equation applies when a substance is heated without changing state.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Using mass in grams instead of kilograms.
Put it right: Convert grams to kilograms by dividing by 1000.
Confusing Δθ with the final temperature only.
Put it right: Δθ is the change, final minus initial.
Mixing up specific heat capacity with latent heat.
Put it right: Specific heat capacity relates to temperature change, latent heat to change of state.
Exam tips
- Write the equation, substitute values, then rearrange only if needed to reduce errors.
- Check that units are consistent before calculating and include the unit in the final answer.
- Show each step of working so method marks can be awarded even if the final value is wrong.
Try the lesson
The start of the Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity: The following equation applies: lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A 2.0 kg block of aluminium is heated and its temperature rises by 5.0 °C. The specific heat capacity of aluminium is 900 J/kg°C. Using the equation for a temperature change, what is the energy transferred to the block?
Listen
This statement introduces the equation that links energy transferred to a temperature change: ΔE = mcΔθ. In words, energy transferred equals mass multiplied by specific heat capacity multiplied by temperature change. ΔE is the energy transferred in joules, m is mass in kilograms, c is specific heat capacity in joules per kilogram per degree Celsius, and Δθ is the temperature change in degrees Celsius. For example, heating 2 kg of water (c = 4200 J/kg °C) by 10 °C needs ΔE = 2 × 4200 × 10 = 84 000 J. The equation assumes no change of state and no significant energy losses to the surroundings. Rearranging allows calculation of any one quantity when the other three are known. A strong answer earns marks for these points. State the equation ΔE = mcΔθ and identify each symbol with its unit. Substitute numerical values correctly, converting grams to kilograms where necessary. Rearrange the equation to make mass, specific heat capacity or temperature change the subject. Calculate a temperature change or energy transferred and give the answer with the correct unit. A common slip: Using mass in grams instead of kilograms. Instead, convert grams to kilograms by dividing by 1000. Exam tip: Write the equation, substitute values, then rearrange only if needed to reduce errors.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
ΔE
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c
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Δθ
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- ΔE
- The energy transferred, measured in joules.
- c
- The specific heat capacity, measured in joules per kilogram per degree Celsius.
- Δθ
- The temperature change, measured in degrees Celsius.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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