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 · defined train kinetic energy
Defined train kinetic energy · defined calculation
Typical recorded range: 1 GJ to 1.5 GJ.
A little perspective
Freight train at cruising speed vs Lightning energy model: energy comparison
The train kinetic energy of a freight train at cruising speed is about 1.23 times the energy of a lightning energy model.
ENERGY STORED OR TRANSFERRED
The kinetic energy of a freight train at cruising speed is the energy it has because of its motion along the tracks.
A lightning energy model represents the total energy released during a single lightning discharge.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Freight train at cruising speed
Defined train kinetic energy: 1.23 GJ; defined calculation; range 1 GJ–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.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined train kinetic energy is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Lightning energy model
Energy: 1 GJ; defined 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.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1.23 GJ
We compare the train kinetic energy of a freight train at cruising speed. This is calculated from stated inputs and assumptions, not a direct measurement. 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.23 GJ | 1 GJ to 1.5 GJ | defined calculation |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueEnergyLightning energy model1 GJEnergyA lightning energy model represents the total energy released during a single lightning discharge.
Nearest higher valueEnergyOne tonne TNT equivalent4.184 GJDefined TNT equivalent energyOne 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.
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