Convert Joules (J) to Calories (cal)

Enter a value below to convert Joules (J) to Calories (cal).

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Conversion:

1 Joules (J) = 0.23900573614 Calories (cal)

How to Convert Joules (J) to Calories (cal)

1 j = 0.23900573614 cal

1 cal = 4.184 j

Example: convert 15 Joules (J) to Calories (cal):

25 j = 5.9751434034 cal

Joules (J) to Calories (cal) Conversion Table

Joules (J)Calories (cal)
0.01 j0.0023900573614 cal
0.1 j0.023900573614 cal
1 j0.23900573614 cal
2 j0.47801147228 cal
3 j0.71701720841 cal
5 j1.1950286807 cal
10 j2.3900573614 cal
20 j4.7801147228 cal
50 j11.950286807 cal
100 j23.900573614 cal
1000 j239.00573614 cal

Joules (J)

Definition

A joule (J) is the SI unit of energy, defined as the work done when a force of one newton moves an object one meter in the direction of the force. It equals 1 kg⋅m²/s².

History

The joule is named after English physicist James Prescott Joule, who demonstrated the relationship between mechanical work and heat in the 1840s. It was adopted as the SI unit of energy in 1889 by the International Electrical Congress.

Current use

Joules are used universally in physics, engineering, and chemistry to quantify energy, work, and heat. They are the standard unit on food labels in many countries and in scientific research worldwide.

Calories (cal)

Definition

A calorie (cal), also known as a small calorie or gram calorie, is defined as the amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius. It equals approximately 4.184 joules.

History

The calorie was first defined by French chemist Nicolas Clément in 1824. It was widely used in chemistry and physiology before the joule became the official SI unit of energy.

Current use

Small calories are used in chemistry and physics for heat measurements. In everyday language, 'calorie' often refers to the kilocalorie (kcal) when discussing food energy.