Electronvolts (eV) to Ergs (erg) conversion

Understanding Electronvolts to Ergs Conversion

An electronvolt (eV) is a unit of energy equal to about 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ joules, standard for describing atomic, nuclear, and particle energies. An erg is the CGS unit of energy, equal to 10⁻⁷ joules, still used in astrophysics, plasma physics, and older scientific literature. Both units belong to the small end of the energy scale, so converting electronvolts to ergs is common when combining particle physics with CGS-based calculations.

Conversion Formula

$$1\ \text{eV} = 1.60218 \times 10⁻¹²\ \text{erg}$$

To convert Electronvolts to Ergs, multiply by this factor:

$$\text{erg} = \text{eV} \times 1.602177 \times 10⁻¹²$$

Step-by-Step Example

Convert 25 Electronvolts to Ergs.

$$\text{erg} = 25 \times 1.602177 \times 10⁻¹² = 4.00544 \times 10⁻¹¹\ \text{erg}$$

How to Convert Electronvolts to Ergs

Use the ratio between the electronvolt and the CGS erg.

1. Note the factor: One electronvolt equals $1.602177 \times 10⁻¹²$ ergs.
2. Take your value: Start with the energy in electronvolts.
3. Multiply: Multiply the electronvolt figure by $1.602177 \times 10⁻¹²$, keeping scientific notation.
4. Result: For 25 eV, the result is $25 \times 1.602177 \times 10⁻¹² = 4.00544 \times 10⁻¹¹$ erg.

How many ergs are in one electronvolt?

One electronvolt equals about $1.602177 \times 10⁻¹²$ ergs, since one eV is 1.602177 × 10⁻¹⁹ J and an erg is 10⁻⁷ J.

How do I convert electronvolts to ergs?

Multiply the electronvolt value by $1.602177 \times 10⁻¹²$ and keep the result in scientific notation.

How many electronvolts make one erg?

One erg contains about $6.241509 \times 10¹¹$ electronvolts, the reciprocal of the forward factor.

Where are ergs still used?

Ergs remain common in astrophysics and plasma physics; for example, stellar and supernova luminosities are frequently quoted in ergs per second.

How does the erg relate to the joule?

One erg equals exactly $10⁻⁷$ joules, so 10 million ergs make one joule in the SI system.