Final answer:
A calorie (cal) is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius, while an uppercase Calorie (Cal) is equal to 1000 calories (1 kilocalorie, kcal). A calorie (cal) is equivalent to 4.184 joules.
Step-by-step explanation:
A calorie and a Calorie are units of measurement for energy. The difference lies in their capitalization. A lowercase calorie (cal) is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius. On the other hand, an uppercase Calorie (Cal) refers to a larger unit of energy equal to 1000 calories (1 kilocalorie, kcal) and is commonly used in the context of nutrition to measure food energy.
Regarding the distinction between a calorie and a joule, it is important to note that they are different units of measurement for energy. A calorie (cal) is defined as the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius, while a joule (J) is the SI unit of energy. One calorie is equivalent to 4.184 joules.
Learn more about difference between a calorie and a Calorie and between a calorie and a joule