In what units can energy be expressed?

Energy can be expressed in various units depending on the context and the field of study. One of the most common units of energy in physics and chemistry is the Joule, which is a standard unit in the International System of Units (SI).

Additionally, energy can also be expressed in terms of wavenumber, which is the number of wavelengths per unit distance (typically expressed in cm⁻¹). Wavenumber is particularly useful in spectroscopic applications, as it relates energy to the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. The relationship between energy and wavenumber can be established through the equation:

[ E = h \cdot \nu = h \cdot c / \lambda ]

where ( E ) is energy, ( h ) is Planck's constant, ( \nu ) is frequency, ( c ) is the speed of light, and ( \lambda ) is the wavelength.

Furthermore, energy can be represented in electronvolts (eV), which is commonly used in atomic and particle physics. The electronvolt is a unit that describes the energy gained or lost by an electron when it moves through an electric potential difference of one volt.

Thus, the most comprehensive answer includes Joules, as