One joule means that

• work is done by a force of 1 N when it displaces a body through 1m
• work is done by a force of 1 kg when it displaces a body through 1 m
• work is done by a force of 1 dyne when it displaces a body through 1 cm
• work is done by a force of 1 g when it displaces a body through 1 cm