Joule

Definition

A joule is the SI unit of work or energy, equivalent to one newton-meter. It measures the amount of work done when a force of one newton displaces an object by one meter in the direction of the force.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. One joule is equal to $1 \text{N} \cdot 1 \text{m}$.
2. The joule is named after James Prescott Joule, an English physicist.
3. In electrical terms, one joule is equal to one watt-second.
4. The joule can be used to measure any form of energy including kinetic, potential, and thermal energy.
5. One calorie is approximately equal to 4.184 joules.

Review Questions

Related terms

Newton:

The SI unit of force, defined as the amount of force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram by one meter per second squared.

Watt:

The SI unit of power, equivalent to one joule per second.

Calorie: A unit of energy commonly used in chemistry and nutrition, where one calorie is approximately equal to 4.184 joules.