Converting kcal to joules: A simple guide

  • Thread starter Thread starter jmandas
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Convert Joules
AI Thread Summary
To convert kilocalories (kcal) to joules (J), multiply the kcal value by 4186 J/kcal. For 14.4 kcal, the calculation would be 14.4 * 4186 J, resulting in joules. The discussion emphasizes the importance of setting up the conversion correctly to ensure the units match. All participants agree on the multiplication method for this conversion. Understanding this process is crucial for accurate energy measurements.
jmandas
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
okay I'm having a total brain freeze right now,guess it's because of all the finals I'm studying for. Anyways...I need help converting kcal to joules. Very easy I know...but I'm dumbfounded right now.

I have 14.4 kcal and I need to have joules...so do I divide or multiply by 4186 J? Thanks for the help. :blushing:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Multiply. 1 kcal = 4186 J. So 14.4 kcal = 14.4*4186 J.
 
Multiply. When in doubt, set up the conversion as an equation and get the units to end up the way you need them:

(14.4 kcal)(4184 \frac{J}{kcal}) = ...
 
Neither! You multiply by 4186 J/kcal


Edit: I took too long. All three answers so far are the same.
 
Last edited:

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

How do I accurately calculate work done against friction?
Replies
11
Views
2K
Conversion factor when converting from SI to natural units
Replies
1
Views
842
Powering the Human Brain: How Long Can One Snickers Bar Last?
Replies
2
Views
11K
The First Law of Thermodynamics
Replies
2
Views
2K
How Much Mass Converts to Energy in a Nuclear Plant Over a Month?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Volume of water required to cool thermal/nuclear plants?
Replies
3
Views
2K
What really is a Pascal and a Joule?
Replies
3
Views
5K
I Confused about unit conversion involving natural units
Replies
2
Views
2K
Thermodynamics - efficiency question
Replies
3
Views
12K
Internal energy after evaporation?
Replies
1
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top