The relationship between the nutritional unit for energy and the metric unit is 1 calorie = 1 kcal.a. One donut contains 350 Calories. Convert this to calories and joules.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the relationship between Calories and calories. Note that 1 Calorie (with an uppercase 'C') is equivalent to 1 kilocalorie (kcal), which is 1000 calories (with a lowercase 'c').
2. Step 2: Convert the energy content of the donut from Calories to calories. Since 1 Calorie = 1000 calories, multiply the number of Calories by 1000.
3. Step 3: Use the conversion factor between calories and joules. Recall that 1 calorie is approximately 4.184 joules.
4. Step 4: Convert the energy content from calories to joules by multiplying the number of calories by 4.184.
5. Step 5: Review the steps to ensure the conversions are correct and consistent with the units.

Key Concepts

Calorie and Kilocalorie

A calorie (cal) is a unit of energy defined as the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius. A kilocalorie (kcal), often referred to as a 'Calorie' in dietary contexts, is equal to 1,000 calories. Understanding this distinction is crucial for converting between these units when discussing food energy.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting a quantity expressed in one unit to another unit. In this case, converting kilocalories to calories involves multiplying by 1,000. Additionally, converting calories to joules requires using the conversion factor where 1 calorie is approximately equal to 4.184 joules, which is essential for expressing energy in different scientific contexts.

Energy Measurement in Nutrition

In nutrition, energy is measured in calories or kilocalories, which indicate the amount of energy provided by food. This measurement is important for understanding dietary intake and energy expenditure. Knowing how to convert these units allows individuals to better manage their energy consumption and understand the nutritional value of foods.