Which factor changes the heat budget?Year 11 Physics · T1 W1–2 · Interactive activity

This original offline fictional model uses positive temperature rises and Q = m c ΔT. Predict in joules first, then vary exactly one factor. It assumes one phase, constant specific heat capacity and no heat loss. It is not a real heater, material rating or experiment. The complete paper and tactile route needs no device.

Make a model prediction

No case has been run yet.

Two worked paper cases

Case A: m = 0.50 kg, c = 2,000 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹, ΔT = 4 K. Q = 4,000 J. Double mass to 1.00 kg: Q = 8,000 J. The model ratio is 2, with no actual heater performance implied.

Case B: m = 0.50 kg, c = 1,000 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹, ΔT = 6 K. Q = 3,000 J. Halve the rise to 3 K: Q = 1,500 J. The model ratio is 0.5; the material value is invented.

Keep kg, J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ and K beside their values. If phase changes, c changes with temperature, or energy escapes, this simple calculation is insufficient. No input or result is sent to a server or stored.