q=C delta T

[Alexis Robles 2k]

What is the difference between q= mCdeltaT and q=CdeltaT? when should we use the m/n in the equation?

[Nicholas Chin 1G]

The c in q = C * delta T is the heat capacity, measured in Joules per Kelvin. The C in q = m * c* delta T is specific heat capacity, which is measured in Joules per Kelvin gram. The difference is that the first c has different values depending on the amount of some material you have, while the second c only depends on the material you have.

[Eugene Chung 3F]

I think the main difference is whether or not C is given per mol/g or just per T. For example, to calculate q of calorimeter, the question would say that the calorimeter has total heat capacity of 80 j/C, in this case it would just be q= CdeltaT

[Prasanna Padmanabham 4I]

when should we use the m/n in the equation?

Did mean to type: q=n*CdeltaT

If so, n refers to mols while m refers to grams...you would use whatever units the question asked for...

[805394719]

q = C delta T gives the heat capacity whereas q = m C delta T gives the specific heat per 1 gram of the substance since there is multiplication with the grams of the substance.

[nicolely2F]

You should use a different notation because these equations are different things. The variable Cs (sometimes denoted as c) stands for specific heat capacity, the heat required to change the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by +1°C. The variable C stands for heat capacity, the heat required to change the temperature of a certain object / mass m of a substance by +1°C. Thus:
q = C.ΔT
and
q = m.Cs.ΔT