Nitack Posted July 2, 2008 Report Posted July 2, 2008 Perhaps I am just ignorant of something already well established. I am after all only a hobby scientist and still learning all of the many complex facets of physics. But it occurred to me that we have many many different units for measuring energy over the many different forms of energy: MPH, Volts, Celsius, Fahrenheit, Watts, Kelvin, SI. So is there one standard unit of energy? Is that impossible from the standpoint of different forms not being comparable? Kinetic energy vs. Electric vs. Thermal? We can convert any one to the other, although it is not ever 100% efficient. However if we can rate the energy conversion rate shouldn't that mean that we can determine what a 100% conversion would be and then find a formula? Please don't laugh, like I said, I am a hobby scientist who is trying to teach himself the most complicated of all sciences. Quote
Mercedes Benzene Posted July 2, 2008 Report Posted July 2, 2008 Energy, no matter what form it is in, is still energy. We've come up with countless different ways of measuring it, depending on its form, but it is, after all, still energy. The SI unit that we define energy in is the Joule (J), which is equal to [math]1(kg*m^2)/s^2)[/math]. (Pardon the ugly equation. I haven't used latex in forever!) Quote
Nitack Posted July 2, 2008 Author Report Posted July 2, 2008 Energy, no matter what form it is in, is still energy. We've come up with countless different ways of measuring it, depending on its form, but it is, after all, still energy. The SI unit that we define energy in is the Joule (J), which is equal to [math]1(kg*m^2)/s^2)[/math]. (Pardon the ugly equation. I haven't used latex in forever!) You are my hero for today! Quote
Mercedes Benzene Posted July 2, 2008 Report Posted July 2, 2008 You are my hero for today! I'm glad I could be of service. :naughty: Quote
DougF Posted July 2, 2008 Report Posted July 2, 2008 NitackPlease don't laugh' date=' like I said, I am a hobby scientist who is trying to teach himself the most complicated of all sciences. [/quote'] We are all here to expand our minds, the only bad question is the one not asked. :naughty: "The real object of education is to have a man in the condition of continually asking questions." Bishop Creighton .... Quote
jedaisoul Posted July 4, 2008 Report Posted July 4, 2008 it occurred to me that we have many many different units for measuring energy over the many different forms of energy: MPH, Volts, Celsius, Fahrenheit, Watts, Kelvin, SI. So is there one standard unit of energy?Your question has already been answered, but I hope it will be helpful if I clarify some points related to your comment about the "many different units for measuring energy". None of the units you mentioned are actually measures of energy:MPH - is a measure of speed.Volts - a measure of electrical potential.Celsius, Farenheit, Kelvin - measures of temperature.Watts - a measure of power (joules per second).SI - an international standard for a range of units, not just energy. As I said, I hope this is helpful... Quote
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