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Erg Conversion Table
This comprehensive erg conversion table shows how various units relate to ergs, a unit in the CGS system. Use this reference for quick conversions between ergs and other common energy units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Ergs to joules | Joules | 1e-7 |
| Ergs to kilojoules | Kilojoules | 1e-10 |
| Ergs to calories | Calories | 2.39006e-8 |
| Ergs to kilocalories | Kilocalories | 2.39006e-11 |
| Ergs to BTUs | BTUs | 9.47817e-11 |
| Ergs to electronvolts | Electronvolts | 6.24151e+11 |
| Ergs to foot-pounds | Foot-pounds | 7.37562e-8 |
| Ergs to therms | Therms | 9.47817e-16 |
| Ergs to tons of TNT | Tons of TNT | 2.39006e-17 |
This erg conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for both CGS and SI units. All values are based on internationally recognized standards for maximum precision in scientific and engineering applications.
What is an Erg?
The erg (symbol: erg) is a unit of energy and mechanical work in the CGS (centimeter-gram-second) system of units. It is defined as the amount of work done by a force of one dyne exerted for a distance of one centimeter. In SI units, one erg equals 10^-7 joules.
The erg is used primarily in astrophysics and some scientific applications, particularly in contexts where CGS units are preferred. Our erg conversion tool helps you easily convert between ergs and other energy units. For example, 1 erg equals approximately 2.39×10^-8 calories or 9.48×10^-11 BTUs.
Erg in the CGS System
The erg is the base unit of energy in the CGS (centimeter-gram-second) system. It is derived from the fundamental CGS units of length (centimeter), mass (gram), and time (second). This makes it essential for CGS to SI unit conversions:
- 1 erg = 1 g·cm²/s²
- 1 erg = 10^-7 joules
- 1 erg = 1 dyne·cm
- 1 erg = 6.24151×10^11 electronvolts
- 1 erg = 2.39006×10^-8 calories
What are Ergs Used For?
Ergs are used in specialized scientific and technical applications, particularly in astrophysics and some branches of physics. Though largely superseded by SI units, ergs remain important in certain contexts for CGS system conversions:
Astrophysics
Measuring energy outputs of stars, galaxies, and other cosmic phenomena. For example, a solar flare might release 10^25 ergs of energy.
Spectroscopy
Describing energy levels in atomic and molecular physics where CGS units are traditionally used.
Historical Scientific Literature
Many older scientific papers, particularly in astronomy and astrophysics, use ergs for energy measurements.
Plasma Physics
Some plasma physics calculations still use CGS units including ergs for consistency with historical conventions.
Etymology and History
The term "erg" comes from the Greek word "ergon," meaning "work." It was introduced in the CGS system in the 1860s and became the standard unit of energy in that system. The erg was defined as the work done by a force of one dyne acting through a distance of one centimeter.
With the adoption of the SI system in the 20th century, the joule replaced the erg as the standard unit of energy in most scientific contexts. However, the erg continues to be used in astrophysics and some specialized fields where CGS units remain conventional. This historical continuity is maintained in our energy conversion tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the erg used in astrophysics?
The erg is common in astrophysics because much of the foundational work in the field was done when CGS units were standard. Many equations in astrophysics were formulated using CGS units, creating a tradition that continues today. Additionally, the erg provides convenient numerical values for astronomical energy scales, such as stellar luminosities and galactic energy outputs.
How accurate is the erg definition?
The erg is precisely defined within the CGS system as exactly 1 g·cm²/s². When converting to SI units, 1 erg = 10^-7 joules exactly. This relationship is defined rather than measured, making it perfectly accurate within the CGS framework. For conversions to other systems, the precision depends on the definition of the target unit, such as the joule which is defined in terms of fundamental constants.
What's the difference between erg and joule?
The erg and joule are both units of energy, but they belong to different measurement systems. The erg is part of the CGS (centimeter-gram-second) system, while the joule is the SI unit. The conversion factor is exactly 1 erg = 10^-7 joules. This means joules are 10 million times larger than ergs, making joules more suitable for everyday applications while ergs are convenient for certain scientific contexts.
How do I convert ergs to other units?
Use our erg conversion calculators above, or multiply by the appropriate conversion factor. For example, to convert ergs to joules, multiply by 10^-7; to convert ergs to calories, multiply by 2.39×10^-8. For detailed instructions on converting ergs to joules, visit our erg to joule converter. Our tool also handles conversions to imperial units like BTUs with high precision.
What are common uses for erg conversion?
Erg conversion is essential in astrophysics (stellar energy outputs), historical scientific research (older literature), plasma physics research, and specialized physics applications. Whether calculating the energy output of a solar flare or converting data from historical astronomical papers, our erg converter tool simplifies these specialized tasks.
How does erg conversion differ from other energy units?
As a CGS unit, the erg differs from SI units like joules in its base definition (g·cm²/s² vs. kg·m²/s²). This makes erg conversion factors powers of 10 different from SI conversions. For example, 1 erg = 10^-7 joules, while 1 joule = 1 kg·m²/s². This relationship makes conversions within the CGS system straightforward but requires specific factors when converting to SI or other systems.
Can I convert very small or very large measurements in ergs?
Yes, our erg converter handles both extremely small and large measurements with precision. For microscopic work, convert electronvolts to ergs (1 eV ≈ 1.602×10^-12 erg). For astronomical distances, convert ergs to larger units like joules or BTUs. Our smart rounding feature ensures readable results for all scales, making it ideal for both laboratory and astrophysical applications.
Is your erg conversion tool free to use?
Yes, our erg conversion calculator is completely free with no registration required. Simply enter your value, select your target unit, and get instant, accurate results. We believe precise measurement conversion should be accessible to everyone, from students learning about CGS units to professionals working on complex astrophysics projects.