The joule (symbol J), named for James Prescott Joule, is the derived unit of energy in the International System of Units. It is the energy exerted by the force of one newton acting to move an object through a distance of one metre. In terms of dimensions: » : m 1 J = 1 N cdot m = left (frac=Pa cdot m^3= 1 W cdot s One joule is defined as the amount of work done by a force of one newton moving an object through a distance of one metre. Other relationships are: The work required to move an electr… (More on Joules)