Energy = Work * 8 hours
Posted in Work on 07/15/2008 10:43 pm by enjanerdMan, I can’t believe how much blog fodder my office has been supplying me with the past couple weeks!
Today, I went by to help VTGuy use MathCAD. He had never used it before, so wanted some hand-holding. Ok, fine… I said I was taking responsibility for people’s competence around here. He took the initiative to try it, so I will do my part.
He wanted to type in some equations (all numerical calculations, no variables) and have it show units too. So, I showed him how the basic syntax works, how to get the formatting right so fractions line up all pretty, etc. And then he got confused when he entered in N*m and the result came out as J.
“But this is supposed to be an energy.”
Joules are a unit of energy. They’re Newton-meters.
“No they’re not. They’re something with Watts.”
I start to explain energy and how to calculate it (force*distance, a.k.a. N*m), then work and how, yes, you can calculate energy if you have work and a time…
ResumeLiar, who shares an office with VTGuy, decides to jump in too, “Uh, are you sure? I think VTGuy is right.”
Uhm. Yes, I’m sure.
1) I love MathCAD. If MathCAD says so, I’m sure going to believe it over you two nimrods.
2) A Joule is the SI unit of energy. We learned that in 7th grade.
3) I’ve been calculating impact energies with Boss Jr for 3 weeks. I am familiar with units of energy.
Also, who the hell let you people graduate from college? As engineers? Seriously??
But, sure. Let’s make this a “discussion.” Let’s everyone share their feelings and say what they think.
So they both pull up wikipedia to show me how wrong I am. Oh, surprise. I’m right. I’d appreciate the last 10 minutes of my life back now, thanks.
I offer them each a Mr. Yuck sticker for sub-par performance today.
