Explore the Calorimetry & Specific Heat Lab
Drop a hot metal into water, plot the temperatures and calculate the specific heat capacity. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Calorimetry & Specific Heat Lab with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Calorimetry & Specific Heat Lab?
Drop a hot metal into water, plot the temperatures and calculate the specific heat capacity. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Nutrition labels (calories), engine design, cooking and climate models all rely on calorimetry.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Heat lost by the hot metal equals heat gained by the water.
q = m × c × ΔT.
Metals with a low specific heat change temperature quickly.
Drop aluminium, then lead, and compare the final temperature.
Try the mystery metal and calculate c.
Double the water mass and predict the final temperature.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Chemistry Labs learners
Students preparing for practical exams and teachers who want a virtual lab.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Calorimetry & Specific Heat Lab on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Try the mystery metal and calculate c. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
How do you find the specific heat of a metal with a calorimeter?
Use m_metal × c × (T_metal − T_final) = m_water × 4.18 × (T_final − T_water) and solve for c.
Why do we ignore the cup?
A coffee cup is a good insulator with a small heat capacity, so nearly all the heat goes into the water.
Is the Calorimetry & Specific Heat Lab free to use?
Yes. The Calorimetry & Specific Heat Lab is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Chemistry Labs group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Calorimetry & Specific Heat Lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Calorimetry & Specific Heat Lab takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 4 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Calorimetry & Specific Heat Lab?
1. In the Calorimetry & Specific Heat Lab, use the controls to change Metal, Water mass, Metal mass, Metal starting temperature. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Calorimetry & Specific Heat Lab, pick an option such as Aluminium 0.90, Iron 0.45, Copper 0.385, Lead 0.13 to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Calorimetry & Specific Heat Lab, press "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Drop aluminium, then lead, and compare the final temperature. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Calorimetry & Specific Heat Lab responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Heat lost by the hot metal equals heat gained by the water.
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Try the Calorimetry & Specific Heat Lab now
Drop a hot metal into water, plot the temperatures and calculate the specific heat. Free to use.
Try it free