Joule Converter
Convert Joule to Watt Hour 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.
Watt HourWh
Target UnitThe watt hour (Wh) is a unit of energy representing the amount of work done or energy consumed when one watt of power is used continuously for one hour. It is primarily used to measure electricity consumption and is equivalent to 3,600 joules (since 1 watt = 1 joule/second and there are 3,600 seconds in an hour). The watt hour is a non-SI unit, though it is widely accepted and used in conjunction with the International System of Units (SI). It is particularly useful in contexts where energy usage is measured over extended periods, such as household electricity consumption, battery capacities, and energy output of power plants. It allows consumers and engineers to quantify energy usage in practical, relatable terms.
Current Use
Watt hours are extensively used in measuring electricity consumption, making them a crucial unit in energy billing and management. Households and businesses rely on watt hours to understand their energy use, as electric meters typically measure consumption in kilowatt hours (1 kWh = 1,000 Wh). Watt hours also play a significant role in the evaluation and comparison of battery capacities. For instance, the energy storage capacity of batteries for electronic devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems is often expressed in watt hours, allowing for straightforward comparisons of potential runtime and efficiency. Additionally, watt hours are used in engineering and scientific calculations involving power systems and energy efficiency.
Fun Fact
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is 1,000 watt hours and often appears on electricity bills.
Convert Joule to Watt-hour
Converting Joule to Watt-hour is frequently used in physics and engineering. This premium converter provides precise results.
Accurate unit conversion is essential for scientific and daily tasks.
To convert Joule to Watt-hour, apply the conversion factor specific to these units.
Joule
Definition
The SI unit of energy.
Origins & History
Named after James Prescott Joule.
Watt-hour
Definition
A unit of energy equal to one watt of power for one hour.
Origins & History
Used for electricity billing.
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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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Watt Hour
energy • Non-SI
Definition
The watt hour (Wh) is a unit of energy representing the amount of work done or energy consumed when one watt of power is used continuously for one hour. It is primarily used to measure electricity consumption and is equivalent to 3,600 joules (since 1 watt = 1 joule/second and there are 3,600 seconds in an hour). The watt hour is a non-SI unit, though it is widely accepted and used in conjunction with the International System of Units (SI). It is particularly useful in contexts where energy usage is measured over extended periods, such as household electricity consumption, battery capacities, and energy output of power plants. It allows consumers and engineers to quantify energy usage in practical, relatable terms.
History & Origin
The concept of the watt hour as a unit of energy arose in the late 19th century as electricity became a more common source of power. The unit was named after James Watt, a Scottish engineer whose improvements to the steam engine were fundamental to the Industrial Revolution. As the use of electricity spread, there was a need for a practical unit of energy that could easily relate to the power output and consumption over time. The watt hour met this need by combining the watt, a unit of power, with the hour, a standard unit of time. This combination allowed for a straightforward calculation of energy usage in electrical applications.
Etymology: The term 'watt hour' combines 'watt,' named after James Watt, with 'hour,' from the Greek word hōra, meaning time or season.
Current Use
Watt hours are extensively used in measuring electricity consumption, making them a crucial unit in energy billing and management. Households and businesses rely on watt hours to understand their energy use, as electric meters typically measure consumption in kilowatt hours (1 kWh = 1,000 Wh). Watt hours also play a significant role in the evaluation and comparison of battery capacities. For instance, the energy storage capacity of batteries for electronic devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems is often expressed in watt hours, allowing for straightforward comparisons of potential runtime and efficiency. Additionally, watt hours are used in engineering and scientific calculations involving power systems and energy efficiency.
💡 Fun Facts
- •A kilowatt hour (kWh) is 1,000 watt hours and often appears on electricity bills.
- •The watt hour is not an SI unit, yet it is widely used in everyday energy discussions.
- •The watt hour can be used to calculate the energy cost by multiplying by the price per kWh.
📏 Real-World Examples
🔗 Related Units
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