calorie (th)/second Unit Converter

Definition of calorie (th)/second unit

The calorie (th) per second, written cal(th)/s, is a unit of power equal to the thermochemical calorie divided by one second. Using 1 cal(th) = 4.184 joules, it equals 4.184 watts, measuring energy-transfer rate.

History of calorie (th)/second unit

The calorie originated as a practical heat unit, historically associated with the energy needed to raise a specified amount of water by one degree Celsius. Because water properties and measurement conditions varied, several calorie definitions emerged. The thermochemical calorie was standardized at exactly 4.184 joules during twentieth-century scientific practice. Expressing it per second creates a power unit, cal(th)/s, although the watt became the preferred SI replacement. The unit remains in legacy engineering, nutrition-related literature, and conversion tables where older thermal data are encountered.

Applications of calorie (th)/second unit

Cal(th)/s can express heat-output rates in older calorimetry, thermal engineering, and scientific documents. For example, a source rated at 100 cal(th)/s transfers 418.4 joules per second, or 418.4 watts. It may appear when reproducing historical measurements, comparing heating equipment, or converting nutritional and laboratory energy data, but modern specifications normally report watts.

Complete list of calorie (th)/second unit conversion