The equation q = mc∆T is used for what purpose?

The equation ( q = mc\Delta T ) is utilized in thermodynamics to relate the amount of heat energy transferred to or from a substance to its mass, specific heat capacity, and the temperature change it undergoes. Here, ( q ) represents the heat energy absorbed or released, ( m ) is the mass of the substance, ( c ) is the specific heat capacity (which indicates how much heat energy is required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of the substance by one degree Celsius), and ( \Delta T ) is the change in temperature.

When a substance is heated, its temperature increases, and as a result, it absorbs heat energy. Conversely, when it cools, it loses heat energy. This relationship allows one to calculate how much heat is required to change the temperature of a substance, making it essential for heating or cooling processes, such as in cooking, climate control, and various industrial applications.

Overall, the equation effectively captures the principles of heat transfer and temperature change, directly relating to the thermal behavior of materials under different conditions.