Joules to Gigajoules conversion

How to convert joules to gigajoules?

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Conversion from Joules to Gigajoules

1 Joule is a small unit of energy. To convert Joules to Gigajoules, you need to understand the prefix "Giga," which stands for $10^9$ or 1 billion.

So, $1$ Gigajoule (GJ) = $10^9$ Joules (J).

To convert from Joules to Gigajoules, you divide the number of Joules by $10^9$.

Formula: $\text{Energy (GJ)} = \frac{\text{Energy (J)}}{10^9}$

For example, converting 1 Joule to Gigajoules: $1 \text{ J} = \frac{1 \text{ J}}{10^9} = 1 \times 10^{-9} \text{ GJ}$

Real-World Examples

1. Kinetic Energy of a Moving Car:

   • A car of mass 1000 kg traveling at 25 m/s (about 90 km/h).
   • Kinetic Energy $= \frac{1}{2} \times \text{mass} \times (\text{velocity})^2$ $\text{KE} = \frac{1}{2} \times 1000 \, \text{kg} \times (25 \, \text{m/s})^2 = 312500 \, \text{J}$
   • In Gigajoules: $312500 \, \text{J} = \frac{312500}{10^9} = 3.125 \times 10^{-4} \, \text{GJ}$

2. Energy Released in Lighting a 60W Bulb:

   • Power is the rate at which energy is used, so a 60 Watt (W) bulb uses 60 Joules per second.
   • If it runs for one hour (3600 seconds): $\text{Energy} = 60 \, \text{W} \times 3600 \, \text{s} = 216000 \, \text{J}$
   • In Gigajoules: $216000 \, \text{J} = \frac{216000}{10^9} = 2.16 \times 10^{-4} \, \text{GJ}$

3. Food Energy:

   • A chocolate bar might have about 1,000,000 Joules (or about 239 kcal).
   • In Gigajoules: $1,000,000 \, \text{J} = \frac{1,000,000}{10^9} = 1 \times 10^{-3} \, \text{GJ}$

4. Energy in Gasoline:

   • 1 liter of gasoline contains roughly 31,536,000 Joules.
   • In Gigajoules: $31,536,000 \, \text{J} = \frac{31,536,000}{10^9} = 3.1536 \times 10^{-2} \, \text{GJ}$

Understanding Joules and their conversions to larger units like Gigajoules can help conceptualize these energies in various real-world contexts.