A multi-ramp PCR chip program has checked heat energy. Exact arithmetic here means exact results for the stated model inputs; measured inputs still carry uncertainty and significant-figure limits.

highlighted = computed this step

One ramp has checked heat

The chip heat capacity is 4 J/K and each ramp changes temperature by 15 K. One ramp uses 60 J.

Q=CΔT=60 JQ=C\Delta T=60\ \text{J}
Ramp sequenceEach programmed ramp has checked heat energy.60 Jramp60 Jramp120 Jtotalramp program

Ramp energies add across the program

Two identical ramps give total ramp energy 120 J. Spatial gradients and transient heat transfer are outside this model.

Qtotal=120 JQ_{\text{total}}=120\ \text{J}
Ramp sequenceEach programmed ramp has checked heat energy.60 Jramp60 Jramp120 Jtotalramp program