One-gigaelectronvolt cosmic-ray proton
A one-gigaelectronvolt cosmic-ray proton is a hydrogen nucleus travelling through space with a kinetic energy of 1 GeV.
Also known as: 1 GeV proton
How big is it?
1.602 × 10⁻¹⁰ J · energy per proton
Energy per proton · exact conversion
A little perspective
One-gigaelectronvolt cosmic-ray proton vs Deuterium–tritium fusion reaction energy: energy comparison
The energy per proton of a one-gigaelectronvolt cosmic-ray proton is about 56.8 times the energy released by a deuterium–tritium fusion reaction.
ENERGY STORED OR TRANSFERRED
A one-gigaelectronvolt cosmic-ray proton is a hydrogen nucleus travelling through space with a kinetic energy of 1 GeV.
Deuterium–tritium fusion reaction energy is the amount of energy released when a deuterium nucleus fuses with a tritium nucleus, producing a neutron and an alpha particle.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
One-gigaelectronvolt cosmic-ray proton
Energy per proton: 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁰ J; exact conversion.
A proton energy of exactly 1 GeV converts to 1.602176634 × 10⁻¹⁰ J using the exact SI electronvolt conversion. “Cosmic ray” describes the particle context, not an additional energy uncertainty.
NIST — 2022 CODATA fundamental constants
The marked energy per proton is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Deuterium–tritium fusion reaction energy
Released energy per reaction: 2.82 × 10⁻¹² J; specified; range 2.81 × 10⁻¹² J–2.83 × 10⁻¹² J.
One D–T fusion reaction releases about 17.6 MeV, or 2.82 × 10⁻¹² J, shared mainly by a neutron and an alpha particle. This is per reaction, not reactor output.
IAEA — Deuterium–tritium fusion
The marked released energy per reaction is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁰ J
We compare the energy per proton of a one-gigaelectronvolt cosmic-ray proton. This value follows an exact definition or conversion.
A proton energy of exactly 1 GeV converts to 1.602176634 × 10⁻¹⁰ J using the exact SI electronvolt conversion. “Cosmic ray” describes the particle context, not an additional energy uncertainty.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁰ J | Not recorded | exact conversion |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueEnergyDeuterium–tritium fusion reaction energy2.82 × 10⁻¹² JReleased energy per reactionDeuterium–tritium fusion reaction energy is the amount of energy released when a deuterium nucleus fuses with a tritium nucleus, producing a neutron and an alpha particle.Nearest higher valueEnergyLarge Hadron Collider proton energy1.1 × 10⁻⁶ JEnergy per protonLarge Hadron Collider proton energy is the kinetic energy carried by a single proton accelerated in the LHC.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NIST — 2022 CODATA fundamental constantsRecommended constants with uncertainties; exact SI definitions are distinguished from measured constants.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
EnergyLarge Hadron Collider proton energy1.1 × 10⁻⁶ JLarge Hadron Collider proton energy is the kinetic energy carried by a single proton accelerated in the LHC.EnergyVisible photon2.247 eVA visible photon is a single particle of light within the range detectable by the human eye.EnergyDeuterium–tritium fusion reaction energy2.82 × 10⁻¹² JDeuterium–tritium fusion reaction energy is the amount of energy released when a deuterium nucleus fuses with a tritium nucleus, producing a neutron and an alpha particle.
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PowerSingle-mode laser pointer optical output5 mWSingle-mode laser pointer optical output is the continuous visible light power emitted by a standard handheld laser pointer operating in a single spatial mode.
EnergyLift an apple one metre1.765 JLifting an apple one metre is the work needed to raise a small object against Earth's gravity over that distance.