Freight train at cruising speed
The kinetic energy of a freight train at cruising speed is the energy it has because of its motion along the tracks.
Also known as: freight train kinetic energy
How big is it?
1.23 GJ of energy
Defined train kinetic energy · defined calculation
Typical recorded range: 1 GJ to 1.5 GJ.
A little perspective
About 1.23 times the energy of Lightning energy model.
Lightning energy model: A lightning energy model represents the total energy released during a single lightning discharge.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Freight train at cruising speed
A defined 5,000 tonne freight train travelling at 80 km/h has about 1.23 GJ of kinetic energy, calculated as ½mv². Train mass and operating speed vary, and braking losses are excluded.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined train kinetic energy is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Lightning energy model
A deliberately rough 1 GJ discharge model. Real flashes vary by orders of magnitude.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked energy is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1.23 GJ
For comparison, this page uses defined train kinetic energy. This is labelled defined calculation: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value. The recorded range is 1 GJ to 1.5 GJ.
A defined 5,000 tonne freight train travelling at 80 km/h has about 1.23 GJ of kinetic energy, calculated as ½mv². Train mass and operating speed vary, and braking losses are excluded.
The identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Freight train at cruising speed dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.23 GJ | 1 GJ to 1.5 GJ | defined calculation |
Around this scale
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These links use compatible energy records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · EnergyLightning energy model1 GJA lightning energy model represents the total energy released during a single lightning discharge.
Nearest higher value · EnergyOne tonne TNT equivalent4.184 GJOne tonne of TNT equivalent is a conventional unit of energy, defined as 4.184 gigajoules rather than by the variable yield of a particular explosive sample.Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
TransportHigh-speed train200 mA high-speed train is a passenger train designed to travel much faster than conventional rail services, often between major cities.EnergyOne tonne TNT equivalent4.184 GJOne tonne of TNT equivalent is a conventional unit of energy, defined as 4.184 gigajoules rather than by the variable yield of a particular explosive sample.EnergyLightning energy model1 GJA lightning energy model represents the total energy released during a single lightning discharge.
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EnergyA 2,000 kcal food day8.368 MJDaily food energy is the chemical energy a person obtains from all food and drink consumed over a day.
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