1. What is Specific Energy?

Specific Energy is defined as the amount of energy per unit mass. It is a measure of energy density and is commonly used in physics and engineering to characterize materials and systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the specific energy equation:

Where:

• Energy — Total energy in joules (J)
• Mass — Total mass in kilograms (kg)

Explanation: The equation calculates how much energy is contained per unit mass of a substance or system.

3. Importance of Specific Energy Calculation

Details: Specific energy is crucial for comparing energy storage systems, evaluating fuel efficiency, and designing energy systems in various engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter energy in joules (J), mass in kilograms (kg). All values must be valid (energy > 0, mass > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are common units for specific energy?
A: The SI unit is joules per kilogram (J/kg). Other common units include watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) and calories per gram (cal/g).

Q2: How is specific energy different from energy density?
A: Specific energy refers to energy per unit mass (J/kg), while energy density typically refers to energy per unit volume (J/m³).

Q3: What are typical specific energy values for common materials?
A: Batteries: 100-300 Wh/kg, gasoline: ~12,000 Wh/kg, lithium-ion batteries: 100-265 Wh/kg.

Q4: Why is specific energy important in battery technology?
A: Higher specific energy means longer runtime for the same weight, making it crucial for portable electronics and electric vehicles.

Q5: Can specific energy be negative?
A: No, specific energy is always a positive value since both energy and mass are positive quantities.