Joule Converter
Convert Joule to Kilocalorie Th and more • 50 conversions
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Unit Explanations
JouleJ
Source UnitThe joule (symbol: J) is the standard unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the energy transferred when a force of one newton is applied over a distance of one meter. Mathematically, one joule is equivalent to one newton-meter (N·m) or one watt-second (W·s). In terms of electrical energy, one joule is also defined as the energy dissipated as heat when an electric current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one ohm for one second. The joule is named after the English physicist James Prescott Joule, who made significant contributions to thermodynamics and the understanding of energy conservation.
Current Use
The joule is widely used in multiple scientific and engineering disciplines to quantify energy, work, and heat. In physics, it serves as a fundamental measure for energy transfer, particularly in mechanics and thermodynamics. Engineers use joules to calculate energy efficiency in machinery and electricity consumption. In nutrition, energy content in food is often expressed in joules or kilojoules, allowing for a clear understanding of energy intake. The joule is also used in international standards for energy efficiency, such as those set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Countries that employ the SI system, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and most European nations, utilize the joule as the standard unit for energy measurement, ensuring consistency in scientific communication and research.
Fun Fact
The joule can also be defined in terms of calories, where 1 joule is approximately 0.239 calories.
Kilocaloriekcal
Target UnitThe kilocalorie (kcal), commonly referred to as a 'Calorie' in food contexts, is a unit of energy defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius at one atmosphere of pressure. It is widely used in nutrition to quantify the amount of energy provided by food. One kilocalorie is equivalent to 1,000 small calories, where one small calorie is defined as the energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius. The kilocalorie is also used in various scientific and engineering applications to measure energy, heat, and work.
Current Use
Today, the kilocalorie is predominantly used in the field of nutrition, where it quantifies the energy content of food. Food packaging typically lists energy in kilocalories, allowing consumers to make informed dietary choices. Additionally, it is used in exercise physiology to estimate energy expenditure based on physical activity levels. The kilocalorie is also relevant in various scientific disciplines, including biochemistry and environmental science.
Fun Fact
The kilocalorie is commonly referred to simply as a 'Calorie' in dietary contexts.
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= × 1.00000How to Convert
To convert to , multiply the value by 1.00000. This conversion factor represents the ratio between these two units.
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Joule
energy • SI Unit
Definition
The joule (symbol: J) is the standard unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the energy transferred when a force of one newton is applied over a distance of one meter. Mathematically, one joule is equivalent to one newton-meter (N·m) or one watt-second (W·s). In terms of electrical energy, one joule is also defined as the energy dissipated as heat when an electric current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one ohm for one second. The joule is named after the English physicist James Prescott Joule, who made significant contributions to thermodynamics and the understanding of energy conservation.
History & Origin
The joule was named after James Prescott Joule, an English physicist known for his pioneering work on the mechanical equivalent of heat and the first law of thermodynamics. Joule's experiments in the mid-19th century demonstrated the relationship between mechanical work and heat, leading to the establishment of the principle of energy conservation. His work laid the foundation for the study of thermodynamics and energy transfer, which ultimately influenced the definition of the joule as a unit of energy.
Etymology: The term 'joule' is derived from the name of James Prescott Joule, reflecting his significant contributions to the understanding of energy and thermodynamics.
Current Use
The joule is widely used in multiple scientific and engineering disciplines to quantify energy, work, and heat. In physics, it serves as a fundamental measure for energy transfer, particularly in mechanics and thermodynamics. Engineers use joules to calculate energy efficiency in machinery and electricity consumption. In nutrition, energy content in food is often expressed in joules or kilojoules, allowing for a clear understanding of energy intake. The joule is also used in international standards for energy efficiency, such as those set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Countries that employ the SI system, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and most European nations, utilize the joule as the standard unit for energy measurement, ensuring consistency in scientific communication and research.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The joule can also be defined in terms of calories, where 1 joule is approximately 0.239 calories.
- •James Prescott Joule, for whom the unit is named, was also a brewer and applied his knowledge of energy to measure heat in brewing.
- •In some contexts, the joule is used to measure the energy content of food as kilojoules (kJ), making it essential for dietary guidelines.
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Kilocalorie
energy • Non-SI
Definition
The kilocalorie (kcal), commonly referred to as a 'Calorie' in food contexts, is a unit of energy defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius at one atmosphere of pressure. It is widely used in nutrition to quantify the amount of energy provided by food. One kilocalorie is equivalent to 1,000 small calories, where one small calorie is defined as the energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius. The kilocalorie is also used in various scientific and engineering applications to measure energy, heat, and work.
History & Origin
The kilocalorie originated from the need to quantify heat energy in the 19th century, during the development of thermodynamics. It was particularly useful in calorimetry, a method for measuring heat transfer. The calorie itself was defined in the late 1800s, but the kilocalorie gained prominence as a more practical unit for larger quantities of energy, particularly in nutritional science.
Etymology: The term 'calorie' comes from the Latin word 'calor,' meaning 'heat.' The prefix 'kilo-' denotes a factor of one thousand, thus 'kilocalorie' literally means a thousand calories.
Current Use
Today, the kilocalorie is predominantly used in the field of nutrition, where it quantifies the energy content of food. Food packaging typically lists energy in kilocalories, allowing consumers to make informed dietary choices. Additionally, it is used in exercise physiology to estimate energy expenditure based on physical activity levels. The kilocalorie is also relevant in various scientific disciplines, including biochemistry and environmental science.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The kilocalorie is commonly referred to simply as a 'Calorie' in dietary contexts.
- •The energy needs for an average adult range from 1,800 to 2,400 kilocalories per day.
- •In the field of exercise science, energy expenditure is often calculated in kilocalories to assess workout intensity.
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