Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Joule

Chemistry & Physics

Also known as: Joule unit

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Summary

This 1930s encyclopedia article defines the joule as a practical unit of work equal to 10<sup>7</sup> absolute units (ergs). It details its application in electrical energy calculations and defines it in terms of amperes, volts, and coulombs.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

JOULE, practical unit of work, is equal to 107 absolute units [ergs (erg is the unit of the CGS system)]. It is used in calculations of electrical energy and can also be defined as the work performed in one second by a current of 1 ampere at a potential difference of 1 volt, or otherwise as the work performed when moving one coulomb of electricity between two points whose potential difference is equal to 1 volt (volt-coulomb).

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Cite this page

“Joule.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/joule/