Unit Conversions

Sample Problem #2

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Example 1

When one gram of gasoline burns in a car's engine, the amount of energy given off is approximately 1.03 x 10⁴ cal. Express this quantity in joules.

Solution

1 cal = 4.184 J

To convert calories to joules, use the conversion factor 4.184 J / 1 cal.

1.03 x 10⁴ cal x 4.184 J / 1 cal = 4.31 x 10⁴ J

Answer

4.31 x 10⁴ J (note that 3 significant figures are used to report the answer)

Next page > Sample Problem #3 > Page 1, 2, 3

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