Joule Converter
Convert Joule to Kiloelectron Volt 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.
Kiloelectron VoltkeV
Target UnitThe kiloelectron volt (keV) is a non-SI unit of energy that is commonly used in the field of atomic and particle physics. It represents the energy gained by an electron when it is accelerated through an electric potential difference of 1,000 volts. The electron volt (eV) itself is defined as the amount of kinetic energy that an electron acquires when it is accelerated through a potential difference of one volt. Therefore, the kiloelectron volt is a convenient scale for expressing energies at the atomic and subatomic levels, particularly in phenomena such as X-ray production, nuclear reactions, and particle collisions. In practical terms, 1 keV equals 1.60218 x 10^-16 joules, linking it to the SI system of measurement.
Current Use
The kiloelectron volt is widely used in various fields, particularly in physics, medical imaging, and radiation therapy. In high-energy physics, particle collisions in accelerators are often reported in keV, MeV (mega-electron volts), and GeV (giga-electron volts), where keV is essential for discussing low-energy interactions. In the medical field, X-ray machines and CT scanners utilize kiloelectron volts to describe the energy of emitted radiation, which is crucial for determining imaging quality and dosage. Countries such as the United States, Germany, and Japan are at the forefront of utilizing keV in research and medical applications. Understanding keV is vital for professionals in nuclear medicine, radiology, and materials science, enhancing their ability to communicate energy levels and effects of radiation accurately.
Fun Fact
The kiloelectron volt is commonly used in X-ray machines and CT scanners, simplifying energy reporting.
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📐Conversion Formula
= × 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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💡 Pro Tip: For the reverse conversion ( → ), divide by the conversion factor instead of multiplying.
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.
📏 Real-World Examples
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Kiloelectron Volt
energy • Non-SI
Definition
The kiloelectron volt (keV) is a non-SI unit of energy that is commonly used in the field of atomic and particle physics. It represents the energy gained by an electron when it is accelerated through an electric potential difference of 1,000 volts. The electron volt (eV) itself is defined as the amount of kinetic energy that an electron acquires when it is accelerated through a potential difference of one volt. Therefore, the kiloelectron volt is a convenient scale for expressing energies at the atomic and subatomic levels, particularly in phenomena such as X-ray production, nuclear reactions, and particle collisions. In practical terms, 1 keV equals 1.60218 x 10^-16 joules, linking it to the SI system of measurement.
History & Origin
The concept of the electron volt originated in the early 20th century as physicists began to explore atomic structure and quantum physics. The term 'electron volt' was first coined in 1911 by physicist Robert Millikan, who was studying the charge of the electron. He needed a convenient unit to express the energy levels of electrons in atoms, leading to the adoption of the electron volt. As advancements in particle physics and quantum mechanics progressed, the need for a larger unit became apparent, giving rise to the kiloelectron volt. This unit became essential in describing the energy levels of photons, electrons, and other particles in atomic and nuclear physics.
Etymology: The term 'kiloelectron volt' combines 'kilo-', a prefix in the metric system denoting a factor of 1,000, with 'electron volt', which describes the energy gained by an electron in an electric field.
Current Use
The kiloelectron volt is widely used in various fields, particularly in physics, medical imaging, and radiation therapy. In high-energy physics, particle collisions in accelerators are often reported in keV, MeV (mega-electron volts), and GeV (giga-electron volts), where keV is essential for discussing low-energy interactions. In the medical field, X-ray machines and CT scanners utilize kiloelectron volts to describe the energy of emitted radiation, which is crucial for determining imaging quality and dosage. Countries such as the United States, Germany, and Japan are at the forefront of utilizing keV in research and medical applications. Understanding keV is vital for professionals in nuclear medicine, radiology, and materials science, enhancing their ability to communicate energy levels and effects of radiation accurately.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The kiloelectron volt is commonly used in X-ray machines and CT scanners, simplifying energy reporting.
- •In particle physics, keV is often used as a stepping stone to larger units like MeV and GeV.
- •The energy equivalent of 1 keV can be expressed as 1.60218 x 10^-16 joules, linking it to the SI system.
📏 Real-World Examples
🔗 Related Units
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Frequently Asked Questions
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