Work and energy can be expressed in different units depending on the system of measurement being used. The most common units for work and energy include:
1. **Joule (J):** The joule is the standard unit of work and energy in the International System of Units (SI). One joule is defined as the work done or energy transferred when a force of one newton acts over a distance of one meter in the direction of the force.
2. **Calorie (cal):** The calorie is a unit of energy commonly used in chemistry and nutrition. One calorie is approximately equal to 4.184 joules.
3. **Kilowatt-hour (kWh):** The kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy commonly used for electricity consumption. One kilowatt-hour is equal to 3.6 million joules (3.6 x 10^6 J) or the energy consumed by a one-kilowatt appliance operating for one hour.
4. **British Thermal Unit (BTU):** The British Thermal Unit is a unit of energy commonly used in the United States for heating and cooling systems. One BTU is approximately equal to 1055 joules.
When converting between these units, conversion factors are used to establish equivalence. For example:
– To convert joules to calories, divide by 4.184.
– To convert joules to kilowatt-hours, divide by 3.6 million.
– To convert joules to BTUs, divide by 1055.
Conversely, to convert from calories, kilowatt-hours, or BTUs to joules, you would multiply by the appropriate conversion factor.
There conversions are essential for accurately comparing and analyzing energy values expressed in different units, whether in scientific, engineering, or everyday contexts.
To use the calculator simply enter in the desired number into the Input box and select the energy unit and the conversion unit for the output. The energy units supported are
- joules
- British Thermal Units
- Calories
- Therms
- Watts
- Kilowatts and more.
