Energy Unit Conversion Game
Learn about energy units, conversions, and environmental impact through interactive challenges.
Unit Conversion
Convert between joules, calories, kWh, and other energy units.
Energy Comparison
Compare energy values in real-world contexts.
Environmental Impact
Calculate carbon footprint and environmental costs.
Energy Unit Conversion
0
Score
1/10
Question
Did You Know?
1 kWh of electricity can power a LED bulb for about 100 hours
The average smartphone uses about 0.012 kWh for a full charge
Convert 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) to joules:
1
kilowatt-hour (kWh)
→
?
joules (J)
joules
Energy Comparison Challenge
0
Score
1/8
Question
Which activity consumes more energy?
Energy Consumption Comparison
100 W
Light bulb for 10 hours
5 W
Phone charging for 24 hours
Environmental Impact Challenge
0
Score
1/6
Scenario
Calculate the carbon footprint of using a 1500W heater for 4 hours:
Carbon Footprint Visualization
Low Impact
2.4 kg CO₂
High Impact
kg CO₂
Environmental Fact
The average carbon intensity of electricity in the US is about 0.4 kg CO₂ per kWh
Heating and cooling account for about 50% of home energy use
Understanding Energy Units
Energy is measured in various units depending on context. Understanding these units helps us make informed decisions about energy consumption and conservation.
Common Energy Units
Joule (J): The SI unit of energy, defined as the energy transferred when applying a force of 1 newton over 1 meter
Calorie (cal): The amount of energy needed to raise 1 gram of water by 1°C. 1 calorie = 4.184 joules
Kilowatt-hour (kWh): Commonly used for electricity billing. 1 kWh = 3,600,000 joules
British Thermal Unit (BTU): Used in heating and cooling systems. 1 BTU ≈ 1055 joules
Energy Conversion Factors
| From | To | Conversion Factor |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Joule | Calories | 0.000239 |
| 1 kWh | Joules | 3,600,000 |
| 1 Calorie | Joules | 4,184 |
| 1 BTU | Joules | 1,055 |
Environmental Impact of Energy Use
Different energy sources have varying environmental impacts, primarily measured by their carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions:
- Coal: ~1.0 kg CO₂ per kWh
- Natural Gas: ~0.5 kg CO₂ per kWh
- Solar/Wind: ~0.05 kg CO₂ per kWh (during manufacturing)
- Nuclear: ~0.02 kg CO₂ per kWh
Reducing energy consumption and choosing cleaner energy sources can significantly decrease your carbon footprint.
Energy Saving Tips
Switch to LED bulbs – they use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs
Unplug electronics when not in use – standby power can account for 10% of home energy use
Use power strips to easily turn off multiple devices at once
Set your thermostat 1-2 degrees lower in winter and higher in summer
Wash clothes in cold water – 90% of energy used by washing machines goes to heating water