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Joules and calories are both units of energy, but they belong to different measurement systems. Here’s an explanation of each:
Joule (J)
The joule is the SI (International System of Units) unit of energy. It’s defined as the amount of energy transferred when a force of one newton is applied over a distance of one meter in the direction of the force. In other words, it’s the basic unit of energy in the metric system. Joules are used to measure various forms of energy, including mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic energy.
Calorie (cal)
The calorie is a unit of energy traditionally used in the field of nutrition and thermodynamics. It’s defined as the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius.
How to convert from joules to calories
Joules to thermochemical calories
1 calth = 4.184 J
Energy in thermochemical calories E(calth) = Energy in joules E(J) divided by 4.184:
E(cal) = E(J) / 4.184
Example- Convert 600 joules to thermochemical calories.
Ans. E(cal) = 600J / 4.184 = 143.4 calth
Joules to 15°C calories
1 cal15 = 4.1855 J
Energy in 15°C calories E(cal15) = energy in joules E(J) divided by 4.1855:
E(cal15) = E(J) / 4.1855
Example – Convert 600 joules to 15°C calories.
Ans. E(cal15) = 600J / 4.1855 = 143.352 cal15
FAQs on Joules to Calories
1 calorie is equal to how many joules?
1 calorie is about 4.18 joules.
1 joule is equal to how many calories?
1 joule is about 0.24 calories.
How to convert calorie into joule?
To convert calories to joules, multiply the number of calories by about 4.18.
What is 1 calorie equal to in joules?
1 calorie is equal to 4.18 joules.
Why is 1 calorie 4.18 joules?
This conversion comes from scientific measurements that show how energy works. When we understand energy in different systems, we find that 1 calorie is around 4.18 joules.
Is 4.2 joules equal to 1 calorie?
No, it's not exactly equal. 1 calorie is about 4.18 joules.
Is calorie a CGS unit?
Yes, a calorie is a unit in the CGS system (centimeter-gram-second), but scientists often use joules in the SI system because it's more widely used.
Are 4184 joules in 1 calorie?
1 calorie is about 4.18 joules. The exact conversion is 1 calorie = 4.184 joules.
Is 1 kcal equal to 4.18 joules?
1 kilocalorie (kcal) is about 4.18 kilojoules (kJ), which is 4184 joules
