This web page allows you to convert the different energy units and answers the following questions in particular: What is energy and why is it important in science? What are some historical units of energy and how were they used? What are some common units used in measuring energy and what are their applications? What are some examples of record and reference values for different units of energy? How can one convert between different units of energy?
Energy is an important measure in many scientific disciplines, from thermodynamics and mechanics to astronomy and cosmology. Its various units are used for a variety of applications and range from the standard joules to the more obscure electronvolt and British Thermal Unit (BTU). The different units provide insight into the different forms of energy, their history, and their application in various areas.
Throughout history, different energy units have been used across the world. Early applications in physics used the joule and its sister unit, the erg. Other more obscure units, such as the British Thermal Unit (BTU), the calorie, and the foot-pound force (ft-lb), were also used for specific purposes. These units provide a rich source of information about how energy measurements have developed over time and how they were used in different historical contexts.
Common units used in measuring energy include: joules, electronvolts, British Thermal Units (BTUs), calories, kilocalories, watt-hours (Wh), kilowatt-hours (kWh), foot-pounds force (ft-lbf), and therm (thm). Each unit has different uses and applications. The joule, electronvolt, calorie, and kilocalorie are used in thermodynamics and mechanics, while the BTU, watt-hour, and kilowatt-hour are used to measure the energy in electricity. The foot-pound force and therm are used in many different industries.
Examples of reference and/or record values in different units of energy are given below:
Converting between energy units can be done quite easily with the help of a conversion equation. For example, one joule (J) can be converted to electronVolts (eV) by multiplying by the conversion factor of 1.60217e-19. As well, one British Thermal Unit (BTU) can be converted to joules by multiplying by the conversion factor of 1054.35. Further, one foot-pound force (ft-lbf) can be converted to joules by multiplying by the conversion factor of 1.3558.