Convert Joules to Terajoules
Convert Joules (J) to Terajoules (TJ) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
TJ = J × 1.000000000e-12
About Joules
The joule (J) is the SI unit of energy, defined as one newton acting through one metre (1 J = 1 N·m = 1 kg·m²/s²). Named after James Prescott Joule, whose 1840s paddle-wheel experiments established the mechanical equivalent of heat (~4.15 J = 1 calorie). One joule is modest: it lifts a 100 g apple by 1 m, heats 0.239 mL of water by 1°C, or powers a 1 W LED for 1 second. Daily adult resting metabolism is ~6-9 MJ. 1 J = 1 W·s = 0.23901 cal = 9.4782 × 10⁻⁴ BTU = 2.7778 × 10⁻⁷ kWh.
About Terajoules
A terajoule (TJ) is 10¹² J - the scale of nuclear yields in the kiloton range and large industrial accidents. One kiloton of TNT = 4.184 TJ; the Hiroshima bomb (15 kt) released ~62.8 TJ. The Halifax Explosion (1917) released ~3 TJ. A 500 MW coal plant consumes ~51.4 TJ/h of thermal input. Daily primary energy of Denmark is ~250-300 TJ; the UK ~3,800 TJ/day. A 1 GW nuclear reactor at 90% capacity factor generates ~77.7 TJ/day. 1 TJ = 10¹² J = 277,778 kWh = 277.78 MWh = 23.88 ktoe.
Quick Reference Table
| Joules (J) | Terajoules (TJ) |
|---|---|
| 1 J | 1 × 10-12 TJ |
| 2 J | 2 × 10-12 TJ |
| 5 J | 5 × 10-12 TJ |
| 10 J | 1 × 10-11 TJ |
| 25 J | 2.5 × 10-11 TJ |
| 50 J | 5 × 10-11 TJ |
| 100 J | 1 × 10-10 TJ |