Problem 63 - Chemistry Matter and Change

Question

How many joules are absorbed in a process that absorbs 0.5720 kcal?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The process absorbs 2391.448 Joules of energy.

Step 1: Write the given energy in kcal

We're given that the process absorbs 0.5720 kcal of energy.

Step 2: Convert kcal to Joules using the conversion factor

We'll use the following equation to convert the energy from kcal to Joules: Energy (J) = Energy (kcal) × Conversion factor where the conversion factor is 1 kcal = 4184 J.

Step 3: Calculate the energy absorbed in Joules

Substitute the values into the equation: Energy (J) = 0.5720 kcal × 4184 J/kcal Energy (J) = \(0.5720 \times 4184\) Energy (J) = 2391.448 J

Step 4: Write the final answer

The process absorbs 2391.448 Joules of energy.

Key Concepts

kcal to joules conversion

Converting kilocalories to Joules is a fundamental concept in understanding how different units of energy are interrelated. A kilocalorie (often abbreviated as kcal) is a unit of energy commonly used to express the energy content of food. On the other hand, a Joule (J) is a standard unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI). To convert kcal to Joules, a simple multiplication operation is needed.

Knowing the conversion factor is key: 1 kilocalorie is equal to 4184 Joules. This means that for every kcal you need to multiply by 4184 to get the equivalent energy in Joules. This conversion is crucial in various fields, such as nutrition, physics, and engineering.

By understanding this conversion, you can easily switch between these units, facilitating better comprehension of how much energy an activity requires or how much energy a food item provides.

joules calculation

To calculate Joules from kilocalories, you start by identifying how much energy is given in kcal. In this exercise, we are given 0.5720 kcal. Using the conversion factor of 1 kcal = 4184 J, the calculation becomes quite straightforward.

Multiply the number of kilocalories by the conversion factor:

• Energy (J) = Energy (kcal) × 4184 J/kcal

So for our example, it would be:

• Energy (J) = 0.5720 kcal × 4184 J/kcal
• Energy (J) = 2391.448 J

Breaking the calculation into manageable steps aids in accuracy and understanding. This conversion gives us a tangible understanding of how energy quantities in kcal apply to the universal measurement of Joules.

energy absorption process

The energy absorption process involves how a system or substance takes in and utilizes energy. This exercise focuses on a process that absorbs energy in the form of kilocalories. Once this energy is absorbed, it can be converted into different forms, facilitating various biological or physical activities.

The absorbed energy, quantified first in kcal and then converted to Joules, can cause changes in temperature, state, or motion within the absorbing entity. Understanding energy absorption is crucial in fields such as thermodynamics, biology, and environmental sciences.

By knowing the energy absorbed, whether for biological processes or physical reactions, it becomes easier to measure the efficiency of these systems, optimize their performance, and predict outcomes under different scenarios. This highlights the importance of accurately calculating and understanding energy in Joules after absorption.