Joule to Kilogram Calculator
Convert energy from Joules (J) to Kilograms (kg)
How to Relate Joules to Kilograms
Joules (J) cannot be directly converted to kilograms (kg) using a simple numerical factor because joules measure energy and kilograms measure mass—different physical quantities. However, they can be related through energy-mass equivalence using Einstein’s equation, E = mc², where c is the speed of light (2.99792458 × 108 m/s).
Energy-Mass Equivalence
Quick Trick: To find mass from energy, use m = E/c²!
Understand the Relationship
Have you ever encountered the equation E = mc²? If we rearrange this equation by dividing both sides by c², we arrive at m = E / c². This means that mass is equivalent to energy divided by the square of the speed of light. This relationship is fundamental in physics and is actually how we define the kilogram! In this context, a kilogram (which measures mass) can be expressed as Joules (which measure energy) divided by the speed of light squared.
Now, what exactly is the speed of light squared? The speed of light is roughly 3 x 108 meters per second. When we square this value, we get approximately 9 x 1016 meters squared per second squared. Through various conversions, which we won’t delve into here, we can express a joule per kilogram as a meter squared per second squared.
So, how does one joule translate into kilograms? It can be calculated as 1 / (9 x 1016) kilograms, which equals approximately 11.111 x 10-18 kilograms, or 11.111 femtograms.
It’s important to note that the speed of light is not merely 3 x 108 meters per second; its precise value is 2.99792458 x 108 meters per second. By using this exact figure in our calculations, we find that 1 joule is equivalent to about 11.12650056 femtograms.
What Do These Terms Really Mean?
Joule (J) – A Unit of Energy
Joules are a standard unit of energy. Here’s what you need to know:
- Used to measure energy, work, or heat.
- 1 joule is the energy needed to move a force of 1 newton over 1 meter.
Kilogram (kg) – A Unit of Mass
Kilograms are a standard unit of mass. Here’s what you need to know:
- Used to measure mass in the metric system.
- 1 kilogram is approximately equal to 2.20462 pounds.
Joules to Kilograms Conversion Table (J to kg)
| Joule [J] | Kilogram [kg] |
|---|---|
| 1 J | 1.11265e-17 kg |
| 10 J | 1.11265e-16 kg |
| 100 J | 1.11265e-15 kg |
| 500 J | 5.62825e-15 kg |
| 1000 J | 1.11265e-14 kg |
| 5000 J | 5.62825e-14 kg |
| 10000 J | 1.11265e-13 kg |
| 50000 J | 5.62825e-13 kg |
| 100000 J | 1.11265e-12 kg |
