Erg
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Definition
An erg is the unit of energy and mechanical work in the centimeter-gram-second (CGS) system of units, symbol "erg". The erg is equal to the work done by a force of one dyne acting through a distance of one centimeter. Equivalently, one erg is the kinetic energy of a mass of 2 grams moving at a velocity of 1 cm/s.
History
The name erg is derived from the Greek word ergon meaning "work".
Conversions
1 erg = 1·10-7 joule
1 erg = 6.24·1011 electron-volts
1 erg = 2.78·10-14 kilowatt-hours
1 erg = 3.7·10-14 horsepower hours
1 erg = 9.48452·10-11 Btu (thermal)
1 erg = 2.39006·10-11 kilocalorie (thermal)
1 erg = 7.4·10-8 foot-pound
1 erg = 1 dyne-centimeters
Further reading
- How Many? A Dictionary of Units of Measurement, Russ Rowlett, Center for Mathematics and Science Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- SI base units and SI derived units, the Physics Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology
- Energy conversion tool at unitconversion.org
Citation
Cleveland, Cutler (Lead Author); Peter Saundry (Topic Editor). 2009. "Erg." In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [Published in the Encyclopedia of Earth February 20, 2009; Retrieved November 7, 2009]. <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Erg>