Question

When using Q=mcΔT, do I need to change the mass to grams? The current mass I'm looking at is 1kg.

Answer 1

It depends on the units you are using for the specific heat capacity. If it is given in :\[\color{green}{ \text{J}/(\text{kg}~^\circ\text{C})}\] use kg for the mass. If it is in: \[\color{green}{ \text{J}/(\text{g}~^\circ\text{C})}\] then use g for the mass.

So in your example, mass is 1 kg, check the units you have for specific heat capacity. If they have kg in them you don't convert the units for mass, but if they include g, then you have to convert the mass to grams by multiplying it by 1 000.

Answer 2

Thank you! We were using J/(kg), I just wanted to make sure.