1. What is the Water Heating Equation?

The water heating equation calculates the energy required to heat one litre of water by a specified temperature change. It's based on water's specific heat capacity and provides watt-hours per litre.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the water heating equation:

Where:

• \( Wh \) — Watt-hours per litre
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature change in degrees Celsius
• 1.162 — Conversion factor (incorporating water's specific heat capacity and unit conversions)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the energy needed to raise the temperature of water, which has a high specific heat capacity.

3. Importance of Energy Calculation

Details: Calculating energy requirements is crucial for designing heating systems, estimating energy costs, and understanding thermal processes in various applications from household water heaters to industrial processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the desired temperature change in degrees Celsius. The value must be positive (heating only).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the factor 1.162?
A: This combines water's specific heat capacity (4.186 J/g°C) with unit conversions (1 Wh = 3600 J and 1 litre water = 1000g).

Q2: Does this work for cooling water?
A: Yes, the same calculation applies for energy removed when cooling, though practical systems may have different efficiencies.

Q3: How does this scale for larger volumes?
A: Simply multiply the result by the number of litres. For 10 litres, multiply the Wh value by 10.

Q4: Does this account for heat losses?
A: No, this is the theoretical minimum. Real systems require more energy due to inefficiencies and heat losses.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: Very accurate for pure water near room temperature. Accuracy decreases slightly at extreme temperatures or for impure water.