The change in temperature is found by subtracting the initial temperature from the final temperature.
To calculate the change in temperature (often denoted as ΔT, where Δ is the Greek letter delta, representing "change"), you use the following formula:
ΔT = Tf - Ti
Where:
- ΔT = Change in temperature
- Tf = Final temperature
- Ti = Initial temperature
This formula applies whether you're measuring temperature in Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), or Kelvin (K). However, it's crucial to ensure both the initial and final temperatures are in the same unit before performing the calculation.
For Example:
Let's say you have a substance that starts at a temperature of 20°C (initial temperature) and is then heated to a final temperature of 30°C. To find the change in temperature:
ΔT = 30°C - 20°C
ΔT = 10°C
Therefore, the change in temperature is 10°C.
The change in temperature is an important factor in many scientific calculations, especially when dealing with heat transfer, specific heat, and thermal expansion. When calculating heat transfer (q), you can use the formula: q = mcΔT, where 'm' is mass, 'c' is specific heat, and 'ΔT' is the change in temperature. The specific heat is a characteristic of the substance. It’s the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of the substance by 1 degree Celsius (or Kelvin).
