Joule Converter
Convert Joule to Ft Lb 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.
Foot-Poundft lb
Target UnitThe foot-pound (ft lb) is a unit of energy defined as the amount of work done when a force of one pound-force moves an object through a distance of one foot in the direction of the force. In imperial units, it serves as a practical measure of torque and energy in various applications, particularly in engineering and physics. The foot-pound can also be expressed in terms of other energy units, such as joules, where 1 ft lb is approximately equal to 1.35582 joules. This unit is widely used in fields that require precise calculations of energy transfer.
Current Use
The foot-pound is predominantly used in the United States for engineering calculations, particularly in the fields of mechanical engineering and physics. It serves as a standard unit for measuring energy, work, and torque in many applications, including automotive and structural engineering. Despite the global trend towards metrication, the foot-pound remains integral in various American industries.
Fun Fact
One foot-pound is roughly equivalent to the energy required to lift a 1 lb object 1 foot high.
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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.
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🔗 Related Units
Foot-Pound
energy • Non-SI
Definition
The foot-pound (ft lb) is a unit of energy defined as the amount of work done when a force of one pound-force moves an object through a distance of one foot in the direction of the force. In imperial units, it serves as a practical measure of torque and energy in various applications, particularly in engineering and physics. The foot-pound can also be expressed in terms of other energy units, such as joules, where 1 ft lb is approximately equal to 1.35582 joules. This unit is widely used in fields that require precise calculations of energy transfer.
History & Origin
The foot-pound originated in the British Imperial system and has roots in the practical measurements used in everyday work and mechanics. Its usage dates back to the 18th century when engineers and craftsmen needed a straightforward way to quantify work and energy. The adoption of this unit was driven by the need for standardization in engineering calculations.
Etymology: The term 'foot' is derived from the Latin 'pes,' which refers to the human foot, while 'pound' originates from the Latin 'pondus,' meaning weight.
Current Use
The foot-pound is predominantly used in the United States for engineering calculations, particularly in the fields of mechanical engineering and physics. It serves as a standard unit for measuring energy, work, and torque in many applications, including automotive and structural engineering. Despite the global trend towards metrication, the foot-pound remains integral in various American industries.
💡 Fun Facts
- •One foot-pound is roughly equivalent to the energy required to lift a 1 lb object 1 foot high.
- •The foot-pound is often confused with the pound-foot, which is a unit of torque rather than energy.
- •The foot-pound remains one of the few imperial units still widely used in scientific and engineering contexts.
📏 Real-World Examples
🔗 Related Units
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Frequently Asked Questions
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To convert to , multiply your value by 1. For example, 10 equals 10 .
What is the formula for to conversion?▼
The formula is: = × 1. This conversion factor is based on international standards.
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