Question

One calorie is equivalent to....................

• A. 4184 Joules
• B. 418.4 Joules
• C. 41.84 Joules
• D. 4.184 Joules

Hint:

Be careful with the decimal point in conversion questions.
Remember that 1 kilocalorie (kcal) is equivalent to 4.184 kilojoules (kJ) or 4184 Joules (J).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Calories and Joules are units used to measure energy.
In nutritional biochemistry, conversions between these units are necessary to formulate balanced feeds.
Key Formula or Approach:
The relationship between a thermochemical calorie and Joules is defined as:
\[ 1 \text{ calorie (cal)} = 4.184 \text{ Joules (J)} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
A calorie is defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1\(^{\circ}\)C (specifically from 14.5\(^{\circ}\)C to 15.5\(^{\circ}\)C).
In the International System of Units (SI), energy is measured in Joules.
The conversion factor is approximately 4.184.
Thus, 1 calorie is equivalent to 4.184 Joules.

Step 3: Final Answer:
One calorie is equivalent to 4.184 Joules.