Why convert from gigawatt to erg/second?

Users convert gigawatt values to erg/second to represent power in the CGS system, which is commonly used in astrophysics and certain older scientific works.

Is gigawatt or erg/second better for engineering?

Gigawatt is standard and more practical in engineering and industrial power applications, while erg/second is mainly used in scientific research.

How large is one gigawatt in erg/second?

One gigawatt equals 1×10^16 erg/second, reflecting the conversion from SI to CGS units.

How to Convert from Gigawatt [GW] to Erg/second [erg/s]?

Learn how to convert power measurements from gigawatts (GW) to erg per second (erg/s), two units used in different scientific and engineering fields. This guide explains the conversion process, practical examples, and relevant use cases.

Gigawatt [GW]

Erg/second [erg/s]

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Gigawatt [GW] to Erg/second [erg/s] Conversion Table

Gigawatt [GW]	Erg/second [erg/s]

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Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

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Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

Gigawatt [GW] to Erg/second [erg/s] Conversion Table
Gigawatt [GW]	Erg/second [erg/s]

Explore More Power Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This converter transforms power values from gigawatt (GW), an SI unit for very large power outputs, into erg per second (erg/s), a CGS unit often used in astrophysics and older scientific literature. It facilitates interpreting results across different measurement systems.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the power value in gigawatts you want to convert.
Select gigawatt as the source unit and erg/second as the target unit.
Click the convert button to obtain the equivalent power in erg/s.
Review the output, which reflects the CGS-system power measurement.

Key Features

Converts large-scale power units from gigawatt to erg/second efficiently.
Provides examples to demonstrate clear conversion outcomes.
Supports understanding of unit applicability in engineering and astrophysics.
Browser-based and easy to use with no installation required.

Examples

Convert 2 GW to erg/s resulting in 2 × 10^16 erg/s or 20000000000000000 erg/s.
Convert 0.5 GW to erg/s resulting in 5 × 10^15 erg/s or 5000000000000000 erg/s.

Common Use Cases

Rating electrical output capacities of large power plants in gigawatts and comparing with astrophysical data.
Expressing national or regional power grid generation and peak demand in familiar units for engineering.
Reporting astrophysical luminosities of stars and other celestial bodies using erg/second units.
Performing scientific calculations involving power in CGS units for research or literature analysis.

Tips & Best Practices

Use this converter to bridge engineering power data with astrophysics measurements accurately.
Be mindful of the extremely large numbers when working with erg/second due to its small base unit.
Double-check unit selections to ensure proper interpretation between SI and CGS systems.
Apply conversions carefully when integrating data across disciplines with differing unit preferences.

Limitations

Erg/second units represent very small quantities, making large power values cumbersome to manage.
Gigawatt is the preferred unit in industry, while erg/second is mainly relevant for scientific and astrophysical contexts.
Interchangeability between these units may be limited depending on the application or field.
Handling large numerical values in erg/second may cause computational or communication difficulties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert from gigawatt to erg/second?: Users convert gigawatt values to erg/second to represent power in the CGS system, which is commonly used in astrophysics and certain older scientific works.
Is gigawatt or erg/second better for engineering?: Gigawatt is standard and more practical in engineering and industrial power applications, while erg/second is mainly used in scientific research.
How large is one gigawatt in erg/second?: One gigawatt equals 1×10^16 erg/second, reflecting the conversion from SI to CGS units.

Key Terminology

Gigawatt (GW): An SI unit of power equal to one billion watts, used to express very large energy transfer rates.
Erg/second (erg/s): A CGS unit of power representing one erg of energy transferred per second, used in astrophysics and theoretical calculations.
Power: The rate at which energy is transferred or converted.

Quick Knowledge Check

What type of unit is gigawatt (GW)?

CGS unit of power

SI unit of power

Imperial unit of power

Which field commonly uses erg/second (erg/s)?

Astrophysics

Electrical engineering

Mechanical engineering

What is the conversion factor from gigawatt to erg/second?

1×10^6

1×10^16

1×10^9

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