What is a calorimeter equation?

A calorimeter equation determines the changes in energy of a system by quantifying the heat transferred with the surroundings, according to the Physics Classroom. Calorimetry revolves around the notion that the energy gained or lost is equal to the energy lost or gained by the entity studied.

Q = mwater•Cwater•ΔTwater is an example of a calorimeter equation used to measure the change in water temperature upon losing or gaining energy. A calorimeter is a device used to measure the quantity of heat transferred to or from an object. In high school science classes, students use coffee cup calorimeters in laboratories to demonstrate calorimetry principles.