What Does
Joule Mean?
Joule is the unit of electrical, mechanical, and thermal energy. It is derived from the International System of Units.
One joule is equal to:
- A current of 1 ampere passed through a resistance of 1 ohm for 1 second
- A force of 1 newton acting through a distance of 1 meter
- An electric charge of 1 coulomb moved through an electrical potential difference of 1 volt
- 1 watt of power produced for 1 second
Safeopedia Explains Joule
Energy in Joules can be calculated from following formulas for the most common situations:
Electric (power in watts): Joules = Watts × Seconds
Heat: Joules = Work (Force x Distance) in Grams x Specific heat capacity x Temperature (in ºC or ºK)
Static energy: Joule = Mass x Height x Gravity
Kinetic energy: Joule = 0.5 x Mass x Speed2
Work: Joule = Force x Distance