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Specific Energy Converter - g/cal (IT) to J/kg Calculator

How to Convert Specific Energy

The Specific Energy Converter calculates the equivalent specific energy between gram per international table calorie (g/cal (IT)) and joule per kilogram (J/kg) using the following conversion formulas:

From g/cal (IT) to J/kg:

\( \text{J/kg} = \frac{4186.8}{\text{g/cal (IT)}} \)

From J/kg to g/cal (IT):

\( \text{g/cal (IT)} = \frac{4186.8}{\text{J/kg}} \)

Where:

  • \( \text{g/cal (IT)} \): Gram per international table calorie, a unit of specific energy used in some thermodynamic applications.
  • \( \text{J/kg} \): Joule per kilogram, a metric unit for specific energy in scientific and engineering applications.

Enter the specific energy value and select the unit to convert between g/cal (IT) and J/kg. Note that the conversion is inversely proportional, so 10 g/cal (IT) yields 1/10th the J/kg of 1 g/cal (IT).

Using the Specific Energy Converter

This converter is designed to assist with converting specific energy between g/cal (IT) and J/kg, useful in thermodynamics and energy engineering.

Input the specific energy value and select the unit (g/cal (IT) or J/kg). The calculator will display the converted values in both units.

Example: Convert 10 g/cal (IT) to J/kg.


  1. Specific Energy: \( 10 \, \text{g/cal (IT)} \)
  2. Conversion: \( \frac{4186.8}{10} = 418.68 \, \text{J/kg} \)
  3. Result: \( 10 \, \text{g/cal (IT)} = 418.68 \, \text{J/kg} \)

Use this tool for quick and accurate conversions in scientific and engineering applications.

Common Conversion Table

The following table provides quick reference conversions for common specific energy values between g/cal (IT) and J/kg:

g/cal (IT) J/kg
1 4186.800
2 2093.400
5 837.360
10 418.680
20 209.340

Use this table for quick lookups or to verify calculator results.

Common FAQ

Below are frequently asked questions about specific energy conversions between g/cal (IT) and J/kg:

  • Q: Why does 10 g/cal (IT) yield 1/10th the J/kg of 1 g/cal (IT)?
    A: This converter uses an inverse proportionality where the J/kg output is divided by the g/cal (IT) input, so 10 g/cal (IT) produces 4186.8 / 10 = 418.68 J/kg, as specified.
  • Q: What is the difference between g/cal (IT) and J/kg?
    A: g/cal (IT) (gram per international table calorie) measures specific energy in some thermodynamic contexts, while J/kg (joule per kilogram) is a metric unit. The conversion is inversely proportional in this context.
  • Q: Why convert between g/cal (IT) and J/kg?
    A: Conversions are needed in thermodynamics and energy engineering to bridge specific energy units used in different systems.
  • Q: How accurate is this converter?
    A: The converter uses the precise conversion factor (4186.8 for 1 g/cal (IT)) and provides results rounded to 6 decimal places for g/cal (IT) and 2 for J/kg, ensuring high accuracy.
  • Q: Can negative values be converted?
    A: Yes, the converter handles negative values, which may be relevant in specific contexts, and performs conversions accurately, though division by zero is avoided.
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