Joule Converter
Convert Joule to Kilowatt 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.
Kilowatt HourkWh
Target UnitA kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy commonly used to measure electrical consumption. It represents the amount of work done by a power of one kilowatt (1,000 watts) over the span of one hour. The kilowatt hour is not a base unit in the International System of Units (SI); however, it is widely used in commercial, industrial, and residential settings as a billing unit for energy delivered to consumers by electric utilities. The concept of the kilowatt hour is crucial for understanding energy consumption in appliances, which typically display their power ratings in watts, allowing consumers to calculate the cost of operating various devices over time.
Current Use
Today, the kilowatt hour is extensively used worldwide as a billing unit for electricity. Electric utilities use it to measure how much electrical energy a household or business consumes over time, providing a straightforward method for consumers to understand and control their energy usage. It is crucial in energy management systems and is often used in calculating the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of appliances, lighting, heating, and cooling systems. The kilowatt hour also plays a significant role in the transition to renewable energy sources, as it allows for the comparison of the energy output from solar panels, wind turbines, and other sustainable technologies.
Fun Fact
A kilowatt hour can power a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours.
Convert Joule to Kilowatt-Hour (J to kWh)
Convert Joules (J) to Kilowatt-Hours (kWh). If you calculate the energy needed to heat a swimming pool in Joules, the number goes into the billions. Converting to kWh allows you to estimate the actual cost on your electricity bill.
Divide Joules by 3.6 million. For example, 10,000,000 J ≈ 2.77 kWh.
Joule (J)
Definition
A very small unit of energy relative to human consumption.
Origins & History
Standard in physics.
Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)
Definition
3.6 Megajoules.
Origins & History
The 'Unit of Trade' for electricity.
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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
🔗 Related Units
Kilowatt Hour
energy • Non-SI
Definition
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy commonly used to measure electrical consumption. It represents the amount of work done by a power of one kilowatt (1,000 watts) over the span of one hour. The kilowatt hour is not a base unit in the International System of Units (SI); however, it is widely used in commercial, industrial, and residential settings as a billing unit for energy delivered to consumers by electric utilities. The concept of the kilowatt hour is crucial for understanding energy consumption in appliances, which typically display their power ratings in watts, allowing consumers to calculate the cost of operating various devices over time.
History & Origin
The kilowatt hour originated in the late 19th century, coinciding with the advent of widespread electrical use. As electricity became more prevalent, there was a need for a standardized unit to measure consumption, which led to the adoption of the kilowatt hour. This unit became popular as it aligned with the metric system's base unit of power, the watt, named after the Scottish engineer James Watt, who significantly contributed to the development of the steam engine.
Etymology: The word 'kilowatt' is derived from the metric prefix 'kilo', meaning one thousand, and 'watt', a unit of power. 'Hour' is derived from the Old French word 'ure', meaning time.
Current Use
Today, the kilowatt hour is extensively used worldwide as a billing unit for electricity. Electric utilities use it to measure how much electrical energy a household or business consumes over time, providing a straightforward method for consumers to understand and control their energy usage. It is crucial in energy management systems and is often used in calculating the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of appliances, lighting, heating, and cooling systems. The kilowatt hour also plays a significant role in the transition to renewable energy sources, as it allows for the comparison of the energy output from solar panels, wind turbines, and other sustainable technologies.
💡 Fun Facts
- •A kilowatt hour can power a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours.
- •The energy from one kilowatt hour could toast about 160 slices of bread.
- •A kilowatt hour is roughly equivalent to the energy a person would expend over 2,000 steps.
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