The basic unit of energy is the joule (J). It is named after the English physicist James Prescott Joule, who made significant contributions to the study of energy and thermodynamics.
Energy can be defined as the capacity to do work. When a force of one newton is applied over a distance of one meter, the work done is one joule. This means that 1 joule is equivalent to 1 newton-meter (N·m).
In addition to the joule, energy can also be measured in other units such as calories, electronvolts, and kilowatt-hours, depending on the context. However, the joule is the standard unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI).
Understanding the basic unit of energy is essential in various fields, including physics, engineering, and everyday life, as it helps in quantifying and comparing different forms of energy.